Ava May’s Journey Through Cancer

Ava May’s Journey Through Cancer Ava May is 16 yrs old and diagnosed on 1/23/24 with a rare childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.

1/13 Update on Ava MayToday marks two years since Ava May’s local CT scan, which led her pediatrician to refer us to WVU...
01/14/2026

1/13 Update on Ava May

Today marks two years since Ava May’s local CT scan, which led her pediatrician to refer us to WVU Children’s. So much has happened over these two years. There is a lot of sadness, but there are also so many beautiful memories—trips we were able to take, people we’ve met who have become near and dear to us, and the extended family of cancer families we’ve gained along the way.

Tonight, Ava May asked Peanut to snuggle with her. We may not be financially rich, but we are incredibly rich in the blessing of these girls. 🤍

01/13/2026

1/12 Update on Ava May

Today we had an extended visit with Ava May’s nurse. We are so thankful for Hospice and her team. We reviewed her wishes regarding resuscitation and formally completed a DNR. Her pain management plan required further medication increases, and she will begin receiving a PCA once the pump arrives, hopefully by Wednesday.

We also discussed her preferences for final days when that time comes. Since last week, Ava May has experienced further decline. She is in the transition phase.

Thank you for continuing to keep Ava May and our family in your thoughts and prayers.

01/11/2026

1/10 Update on Ava May

Today has been a day of resting and spending time with family. Ava May has been excited about our sourdough adventure and seeing what I’ll make for her next. Unfortunately, her pain continues to hover around a 7 most of the time. We will likely be making additional medication adjustments when her nurse visits again on Monday. Hospice will now be visiting three times per week.

01/08/2026

1/7 Update on Ava May

Ava May slept a good bit today. When she got up to use the bathroom, our older dog, Toby, accidentally caused her to fall. The fall resulted in significant pain to her knees.

Hospice will be coming again tomorrow to reevaluate and assess the recent medication changes.

Thank you for continuing to keep Ava May and our family in your prayers. 💛

01/06/2026

1/5 Update on Ava May

Today has been much of the same. It feels repetitive to keep talking about her pain and struggles when they remain unchanged day after day. Hospice did make a medication adjustment today, and we will reevaluate on Thursday to see how things are then.

I continue to be amazed every single day by how hard she has fought to be here. 💛

01/02/2026

1/1 Update on Ava May

Ava May slept a good bit today, but when she was awake she shared some special moments. She watched the season finale of Stranger Things with her dad, and later this evening she spent time watching football with the family. Unfortunately, her pain seems to continue to increase each day. Hospice has been wonderful and continues to make adjustments to her medications to help keep her comfortable, but lately she has needed several increases. We are cherishing these quiet moments of togetherness and making the most of the time we have. Thank you for continuing to keep Ava May and our family in your prayers.

12/30/2025

12/29 Update on Ava May

Today, Ava May was able to spend some time with friends, which meant so much to her. Afterward, she took a long, much-needed nap. Her pain does seem to be increasing each day. Her hospice nurse will be visiting tomorrow to help make adjustments and keep her as comfortable as possible.

12/26 Update on Ava MayToday Ava May has been extremely tired and experiencing increased pain. Her hospice nurse visited...
12/26/2025

12/26 Update on Ava May

Today Ava May has been extremely tired and experiencing increased pain. Her hospice nurse visited this morning and made some adjustments in hopes of better managing her muscle spasms and discomfort.

She slept much more than usual today, but her body is exhausted and the rest is very much needed. We are continuing to take things moment by moment and are grateful for the care, comfort, and prayers surrounding her and our family. 💛

12/24 Update on Ava MayToday has been a rough one for Ava May, with increased pain. We were able to spend some time with...
12/25/2025

12/24 Update on Ava May

Today has been a rough one for Ava May, with increased pain. We were able to spend some time with family today. We weren’t able to make it to church, but we were grateful to watch the service online and then have church here at home with some of our church family.

These holidays look very different than we ever imagined, but we are choosing to soak up every moment together and treasure the time we have. We are holding tight to faith, comfort, and each other tonight.

Thank you for continuing to keep Ava May and our family in your prayers.

12/21 Update on Ava MayWe had some more visitors today, and it meant so much to Ava May and to us. Kayla came to spend s...
12/21/2025

12/21 Update on Ava May
We had some more visitors today, and it meant so much to Ava May and to us. Kayla came to spend some time with her earlier this morning. We then had brunch with Mike’s mom and dad, who stopped by on their way back to New York. His brother Josh came with his two boys as well. We also had visits from his Aunt Becky and his sister Kelly, who came to see us last night and returned again this morning. Mike’s sister Becca and her husband Chris visited with their daughter.

Ava May is resting now. Tomorrow afternoon, we will tour the inpatient hospice facility.

We are so thankful for the love, time, and support surrounding Ava May and our family. 💛

12/20 Update on Ava MayToday brought a sweet moment of joy. Ava May’s Maw Maw and Pa adopted a kitten from the Humane So...
12/20/2025

12/20 Update on Ava May
Today brought a sweet moment of joy. Ava May’s Maw Maw and Pa adopted a kitten from the Humane Society and named him exactly what Ava May wanted—Peppermint. They brought Peppermint to visit Ava May, and it was such a gift to see her smile and light up with happiness.

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Martinsburg, WV

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