i’m avery and i’m so grateful you’re here!
On Wednesday, December 16, we received devastating news. Our sweet baby was diagnosed with Pre B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancer. At 2 months. This is her healing journey.
Life at Home
Avery spent most of the first year of her life in the hospital. After bone marrow transplant, she was discharged and is currently home. She is cancer-free and doing her best to adjust to what life should be for a toddler. These Instagram posts represent those days at home.
Did you know that today is “National Day of Encouragement?” 💖
One description of the holiday read, “This day is dedicated to uplifting people around us and making a positive impact.”
That made me reflect on the countless times this community—you—have encouraged us throughout Avery’s journey.
I know I mention this often, but we are truly forever grateful. 🥹
So, in return, we try to encourage others by continuing to share Avery’s story.
Life after cancer isn’t exactly a piece of cake.
But, Avery is doing it—and seems to be doing it well.🙌🏼
We hear from others on similar paths that share their stories with us and how encouraged they are by her progress.
Having said that, her speech is coming along. She has just been picking up words and phrases naturally.
Her songs play in the background as she plays and she simply sings along.
And once the music stops, she just keeps on talking.
We honestly can’t hear her little voice enough. 💛
So, we hope this encourages someone today.
#oureveravery
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#bonemarrowtransplant #gestaltlanguageprocessing #childhoodcancer #infantileleukemia #babiesgetcancertoo #leukemiawarrior #learningtotalk #leukemiafighter #posttransplantlife #cancersurvivor #cancercrushers #cancerawareness #thrivingnotsurviving #survivorstories #survivorjourney #cancerwarrior #cancerfree #beatcancerlikeaboss #cancersurvivors #speechdelay #nationalencouragementday
This month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but it also encompasses Blood Cancer Awareness Month as well as Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month.
In reality, these are each deeply connected, as blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma are two of the most common cancers in children.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is at the forefront of research and support, working tirelessly to improve outcomes for our youngest fighters.
Let’s raise awareness, support research, and stand with the families facing these battles every day. 💛
#oureveravery
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#BloodCancerAwareness #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth #LLS #LeukemiaAndLymphomaAwareness #ThisIsBloodCancer #showyourgold #cancelbloodcancer #kidswithcancer #gogold #childhoodcancersucks #childhoodcancerwarrior #thisischildhoodcancer #kidsgetcancertoo #childhoodcanceradvocate #leukemiaawareness #leukemialymphomasociety #fightleukemia #childhoodleukemia #cancerpickedthewrongkid #childhoodcancerawareness
📸 taken during Avery’s @oaatsouth dream trip ✨
Childhood cancer doesn’t just affect the child—it impacts the entire family, both emotionally and physically.
Parents often experience chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, and may question themselves and wonder if they could have done something differently to prevent their child’s illness.
The guilt is debilitating at times quite honestly. And that’s without grief tourists chiming in. 🫤
Cancer siblings, too, bear a heavy emotional burden.
They sometimes feeling neglected or confused as they navigate their own fears and concerns.
Even at Riley’s young age, we could see the emotional impact it left on her as she went from our house to home with her parents as we traded off hospital time with Avery. 🥺
The entire family’s mental and physical health is challenged, and the emotional toll can leave lasting effects.
The constant worry, long hospital stays, and life disruptions take a toll on everyone’s mental and physical health.
It’s a battle fought together—but, unfortunately, the scars run deep.
It becomes a shared experience of both resilience and love, but it’s also one that requires plenty of understanding, love, and support from the community.🎗️
We’ve said it before and will continue to do so: this community, each of you, helped carry us through the toughest days.
We’ll always be grateful for that. 💛
I wish I could say that once Avery’s treatments ended, so did the worry and stress.
But, in some ways, it only elevated both.
As a family, we’re doing “okay,” but the trauma and pain we endured has definitely left its mark. 🥺
“Be kind. We never know what people are going through. Give grace and mercy because one day your circumstance could change and you may need it.” —Germany Kent
#oureveravery
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#bonemarrowtransplant #cancersucks #childhoodcancer #infantileleukemia #babiesgetcancertoo #leukemiawarrior #leukemiasucks #leukemiafighter #frogyoucancer #fcancer #posttransplantlife #cancersurvivor #cancercrushers #cancerawareness #thrivingnotsurviving #survivorstories #survivorjourney #cancerwarrior #cancerfree #beatcancerlikeaboss #cancersurvivors
Avery’s story has been nothing short of miraculous and is a testament to the power of hope; as well as the incredible advancements in childhood cancer treatment!🎗️
Diagnosed at just 7 weeks old, she fought through countless treatments and setbacks.
From diagnosis to remission and back again, she’s faced every challenge with as much courage and grace that a baby has to give.🥹
It’s been an incredibly tough road, but she’s proved herself to be a fighter and a survivor.
Today, she’s a thriving 3-year-old who will celebrate here 3rd Re-birthday next month! 🥳
Her strength and resilience inspire us all. And her passion for life gives us the greatest joy.
Keep going, Avi! 💪
#oureveravery
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#bonemarrowtransplant #bethematch #savealife #childhoodcancer #infantileleukemia #babiesgetcancertoo #leukemiawarrior #leukemialymphomasociety #leukemiasucks #leukemiafighter #frogyoucancer #posttransplantlife #cancersurvivor #cancercrushers #cancerawareness #thrivingnotsurviving #survivorstories #survivorjourney #cancerwarrior #cancerfree #beatcancerlikeaboss #cancersurvivors #childhoodcancerawareness
Childhood Cancer Resources
There is help available!
Whether your child has been diagnosed with cancer, or you’re simply looking for ways to educate yourself and get involved.
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BMT DAY +164
This wean is one of the last big hurdles for her to jump over in order to just “be a toddler.” Just keep swinging, Avi!
BMT DAY +160
Avery woke up throwing up at 4am and hasn’t been in a great mood all day. She didn’t nap well and has been itching quite a bit.
Helpful Terms
It’s okay, we’re learning together!
We all know that navigating cancer comes with a learning curve. We’ve put together a list of Leukemia vernacular to help as we continue through Avery’s journey.