Ava's Warrior Journey

04/23/2026

Ava is still bravely battling neuroblastoma, and this girl continues to make incredible strides. She’s in New York this week for scans, bloodwork, and testing to keep her on the healthiest path possible. Her strength never wavers, and neither does our hope.

One huge blessing: her immune system has improved enough that she can finally enjoy some outdoor spaces again. We’re still taking extra precautions — lots of sanitizing, washing up right after, and keeping her exposure limited — but seeing her breathe fresh air and smile in the sunshine feels like a victory all on its own.

We’re celebrating every step forward 💫🦄💜🎗️

Maria Whitney Kasey Bentley Baily Carder Tina Rodriguez

12/30/2025

Beyond blessed to watch this beautiful soul live life with such fullness and light.

You’d never know the battles she’s faced — and continues to face — because when you look at her, you see pure joy, resilience, and God’s beauty shining through.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ava. You are a miracle in motion.
❣️💕

Maria

10/02/2025

🌟 Ava’s Warrior Journey – October Update 🌟

This week, Ava is heading back to New York to continue her brave fight against cancer. It’s a full schedule, filled with strength, hope, and the unwavering spirit she carries into every step. 💪💖

🩺 Monday: Pre-surgery check-in with her surgeon + lab work.

🧪 Tuesday: Oncology appointment, more labs, and IV placement for anesthesia ahead of MRI scans.

😴 Wednesday & Thursday: Rest days to recharge.

🔧 Friday: Surgery day.

Through it all, Ava continues to show us what true courage looks like. We’re praying, we’re believing, and we’re ready for good things. 🙏🏻💜

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your love and support mean everything.

AvasWarriorJourney

09/20/2025

💛 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 💛

Here is one more beautiful moment of Ava with courage, confidence, and pure joy, dancing her heart out 💃✨

She’s not just fighting cancer—she’s living fully in the face of it.

Thank you for being part of Ava’s journey. Your love lifts her—and us—more than you know.

💛

09/20/2025

💛 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 💛

And if you need a dose of courage, confidence, and pure joy—just look at Ava dancing her heart out 💃✨

These moments aren’t just cute snapshots. They’re proof of her warrior spirit. Even with MRIs, stent replacements, and organ check-ins ahead in New York this October, Ava keeps showing up with sparkle, sass, and strength.

She’s not just fighting cancer—she’s living fully in the face of it.

We share these photos to celebrate her, yes—but also to shine a light on every child and family walking this road. September reminds us that childhood cancer is real, relentless, and deeply deserving of awareness, research, and support.

Thank you for being part of Ava’s journey. Your love lifts her—and us—more than you know.

💛

06/28/2025

06/11/2025

**Ava’s Fight Continues with Strength and Hope** 🎗️💜🦄

This month marks another milestone in Ava’s journey as she undergoes her first set of MRI scans since her January surgery—an important step in monitoring her progress.

Back in January, we made a difficult yet hopeful decision: shifting from an extended chemotherapy plan to one major surgery that removed much of the mass. It was a leap of faith, guided by trust in her incredible medical team and the unwavering belief in her strength.

Since that day, we've witnessed nothing short of a miracle—Ava’s resilience shining through in ways that continue to inspire us. She’s gained weight, showing remarkable progress in her mobility and development, and we’re celebrating a major milestone: returning her feeding pump. Each step forward is a testament to her spirit and the love that surrounds her.

In the coming weeks, she’ll undergo a routine, same-day outpatient procedure, and we expect her to be home that afternoon, needing just a day or two of extra rest.

We remain optimistic and deeply grateful for the continued love and support from all of you. This journey is a long one, with scans every three months for the next five years, but Ava is walking it with courage—and we feel the strength of this incredible community beside her every step of the way.

Thank you for being part of her story. 💙

04/06/2025

Ava is back in New York this week for follow-up surgery as part of her recovery journey.

These past weeks have tested her in extraordinary ways, and once they're in our family's rearview we can share more but Ava continues to shine as a beacon of resilience and strength.

Her joyful spirit remains undimmed. It’s awe-inspiring to see how this sweet and curious toddler brings energy, wonder, and laughter to every moment, even as she bravely navigates her path. She is a remarkable reminder of courage and hope.

We would be so grateful if you could keep Ava in your thoughts and prayers during this time. Your support is a source of comfort and inspiration for all of us. Thank you for standing with her and cheering her on in her fight to overcome cancer.

💜🦄🎗️

https://gofund.me/d831c550

01/28/2025

# # # Ava's Journey

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Unfortunately, there was a complication, and we are now taking things hour by hour.

Ava is a true fighter, embodying the strong will of her mom and the gentle kindness of her father. We ask for your continued prayers for Ava to pull through and for her strength and resilience to carry her through.

We believe in the power of prayer and the support of a higher power, whatever spiritual being that may be. Your thoughts and prayers mean the world to us as we navigate this difficult journey.

With gratitude 💜 & hopefilled hearts,
Maria & Kasey

https://gofund.me/5a0a92c6

01/10/2025

We’re so grateful to share that Ava completed her last round of chemotherapy (god willing) the weekend of December 15! This past cycle has been incredibly tough—hospitalizations, transfusions, significant weight loss, and painful mucositis. To support her nutrition, a NG-tube was placed, and despite these challenges, our little warrior is starting to bounce back. Seeing glimpses of her sweet, playful self again has been such a blessing.

Amidst it all, we were so thankful to celebrate a very special milestone—Ava’s 2nd birthday on December 30th! Watching her smile and laugh after all she’s endured was the greatest gift.

Since Ava’s diagnosis, we’ve prayed for a miracle, and I truly believe her archangel is listening. We’re now preparing for the next big step: heading to Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in New York City. Her first appointment is on January 22, with surgery scheduled for January 27.

For those who don’t know, MSK is in Manhattan, and we’re doing everything we can to access the best care. We’re beyond thankful that we could switch insurance during open enrollment to one that covers MSK.

As we gear up for this next chapter, we welcome all the love, support, and prayers that continue to lift us up. We’ll also be fundraising to help with the costs of traveling and staying in NYC for treatment.

Thank you for being part of Ava’s journey. Your kindness means the world to us.

With love,
💛
Maria Whitney