I wish to go to my favourite theme park

Nine-year-old Ava loves spending time outdoors, whether she is bouncing on the trampoline or splashing in the pool. When she was seven, she had a virus that would not go away. Her parents were concerned so they took her to the hospital where she had bloodwork done, which showed she had a platelet count of less than four. Ava was then rushed to the hospital where she underwent many tests and was given the devastating diagnosis of a blood disorder.  

 “Ava’s diagnosis has been life-changing for us,” her mom Jennifer shared. “It has definitely made us closer as a family and is a reminder to enjoy all moments whether big or small.” Since her diagnosis, she has undergone four bone marrow biopsies, had a PICC line placed, platelet transfusions every week, countless blood transfusions, a HATG treatment, and dental surgery.  Ava will always be living with a blood disorder, but she is doing great now. For the first time in two years, she is off her medications, and it’s a relief to not have to worry about taking them.  

Ava’s wish came at a great time, allowing the family to reflect on all that they had been through. They travelled to a Florida theme park where they enjoyed a week-long stay at Give Kids The World Village, a resort for children facing critical illnesses. Ava loved going on all the roller coasters she could, and “was so happy during the whole experience of her wish,” Jennifer shared. “The whole trip was a highlight from start to finish, just amazing every single day!” Jennifer had a scrapbook made with photos from all their memories made, a nice anecdote to remember their trip for years to come.