Avery's wish brought waves of joy to her and her family
In June 2022, when Avery was 3, she began having random nosebleeds, fevers, and leg pain. Some days she was her bubbly, silly self; other days she could barely walk or talk. After weeks of uncertainty and noticing her color fade, her parents brought her to the doctor. Labs were drawn, and hours later they were instructed to go straight to Children’s Minneapolis where they were told Avery had leukemia.
She was admitted for a week, confused, exhausted, and wanting to go home. “She hated the pokes, she slept a lot, and at times refused medications. The silly, bubbly girl we once knew was sitting in front of us but too tired to be herself.” her mom, Pa Chia, shared.
As treatment continued, Avery faced difficult side effects and didn’t always understand the changes happening to her. To protect her health, the family stayed home, limiting outings and visits. Avery often asked why she couldn’t see loved ones, not realizing why life had suddenly become so different than before.
According to Pa Chia, “Avery’s leukemia has impacted her life in many ways, but it doesn’t define who she is.”
A wish is an important way for kids to reclaim their childhood after years of medical treatment. Avery wished to swim with dolphins in Hawaii, inspired by one of her favorite YouTubers. During the trip, the family spent nearly every day at the beach or pool, met an Island Princess, and watched Avery light up as she swam, played with, and fed the dolphins. For Avery, her wish helped her reconnect with the happy, bubbly, silly kid she had been before leukemia.
“She was so excited to come back home and tell her class and cousins all about her experience,” Pa Chia shared. “Her wish was truly a blessing for her, she says it's the best vacation she's ever had.”
For her family, the wish was a rare chance to live in the moment and simply enjoy being together. “Not having to worry about planning was a big relief for us,” Pa Chia said. “What I remember most is how happy Avery and her siblings were in Hawaii.”
Since returning home, Avery talks about her wish often and frequently asks when they can go back. She has been out of treatment for a while now and has settled back into a fairly normal routine of going to school and playing with friends. Because of her cancer, she’s still catching up to her peers academically and physically, but she’s improving every day; and that progress is what her family chooses to focus on.
“In my experience, Make-A-Wish means an opportunity and a celebration for Wish kids and their families,” Pa Chia expressed. “In sickness and treatment, we focus on getting the kids back to good health. We often overlook that these kids still have life, and we need to celebrate that life while we still can. Make-A-Wish gives families that opportunity to celebrate the life they have or the strength it took to overcome a sickness.”