Ava’s Bravery: Living with One Eye and a Bold Spirit.2083
Ava was just 14 months old when her life, and that of her family, was suddenly transformed by a diagnosis that no parent ever wants to hear. She was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of childhood eye cancer. By the time doctors detected the disease, Ava’s tumour measured an alarming 22mm and had filled her entire eye. The cancer was too advanced to treat with conventional methods, and to save her life, Ava’s eye had to be removed. For her family, this was a heartbreaking decision. They were confronted with the reality that the treatment necessary to keep their daughter alive would also forever change her appearance and her vision.
The surgery itself was only the beginning of Ava’s journey. Recovering from the removal of her eye was both physically and emotionally challenging. For such a young child, the hospital experience could be frightening, and the procedures, medications, and follow-up appointments were overwhelming. Yet Ava faced each day with a resilience and strength that belied her age. Her family supported her through every step, celebrating small victories and providing comfort through moments of fear and pain.
Since her initial surgery, Ava’s journey has been far from smooth. She has faced multiple complications, the most recent of which involved surgery to repair a hole in her eye socket after her implant became exposed. The NHS team was able to use a donor’s white of the eye as a graft, a delicate procedure intended to restore the integrity of her eye socket. Unfortunately, the graft has not healed as expected, and additional surgery is planned to determine the best course of action. These medical challenges have been physically demanding, requiring hospital visits, follow-up care, and the uncertainty of waiting to see if each intervention will be successful.
Beyond the physical impact, Ava has also had to contend with the psychological effects of her treatment. She is dealing with post-traumatic stress, a condition that has significantly affected her sleep and overall well-being. Experiencing serious illness, invasive procedures, and repeated hospital stays at such a young age can leave a lasting imprint, and Ava’s struggles are a reminder of the emotional toll childhood cancer can take. Thankfully, she has been supported by an amazing play therapist, who has been helping her process her experiences. Through therapy, Ava is learning to navigate her emotions, confront her fears, and develop coping strategies that will help her manage the challenges she has faced.
Living life with one eye comes with its own set of challenges. Ava has to adapt to differences in depth perception and balance, learning to navigate her environment with caution and awareness. Yet, despite these obstacles, she refuses to let them hold her back. She explores her surroundings with curiosity and confidence, proving that resilience is not just about enduring treatment but about embracing life in the face of adversity.
Ava’s daily life is a testament to her unbreakable spirit. She engages in play, social interaction, and learning experiences with the enthusiasm of any child her age. Her parents have watched with pride as she navigates her world independently, developing skills and confidence that show her determination to thrive despite the challenges she has endured. Her bold personality shines through in everything she does, and those around her are inspired by her strength and joy.
Her mum shares, “Ava lights up every room she enters with her bold personality and unbreakable spirit.” These words perfectly capture the essence of Ava: a child who, despite the trials of serious illness, radiates life, energy, and courage. For her family, every smile and every laugh is a reminder of how far she has come, and a testament to the support, love, and care that have surrounded her throughout her journey.
Ava’s story also highlights the importance of showing the reality of childhood cancer. The images shared alongside her story provide a window into the challenges faced by young patients, illustrating the physical realities of surgery, treatment, and recovery. While these images may be difficult to view, they serve as a vital reminder of the bravery required of children like Ava and the dedication of the medical teams who care for them.
Through Ava’s experiences, we see not only the resilience of a child facing life-threatening illness but also the critical role of family support, medical expertise, and therapeutic interventions in helping children cope and recover. Her journey underscores that survival is only part of the story; emotional healing, adaptation to physical changes, and the cultivation of confidence and joy are equally important milestones.
Ava’s journey is now shared as part of the Go Gold campaign for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness about childhood cancers and honor the courage of young patients. Her story reminds us of the extraordinary strength, determination, and optimism displayed by children facing unimaginable challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive care—physical, emotional, and psychological—to ensure that young patients have the best chance at a healthy, fulfilling life.
Despite all that she has endured, Ava continues to grow, explore, and thrive. Her family celebrates every milestone, from learning new skills to engaging confidently with friends and playmates. Each day is a victory, a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of those around her. Ava’s journey reminds us that childhood cancer is not only a battle against disease but also a challenge that shapes character, courage, and perspective—both for the child and for the family.
Ava’s story is one of hope, determination, and unbreakable spirit. She demonstrates that even in the face of serious illness, children can adapt, overcome, and live life fully. Her journey inspires families, healthcare professionals, and communities alike, serving as a powerful example of bravery in the most challenging circumstances. Through her courage, Ava teaches us that the human spirit, even in its youngest form, is capable of incredible strength. 💛
Branson’s Battle: A Little Warrior’s Fight for Life.2085
We’re still deep in the trenches right now… and truthfully, it feels like there’s no way out. Every day seems like an endless loop of heartbreak, a battle that repeats itself with no signs of relief.
Nothing has changed yet. Each time we step into Branson’s room, seeing him so small, so exhausted, our hearts break all over again. The helplessness is almost unbearable.
Today, Branson had to go back on oxygen because his levels were dropping. The doctors ran every test possible, including another chest X-ray, and thankfully, everything came back clear.
They believe this is just another cruel side effect of the relentless adenovirus he cannot seem to shake. It’s like an invisible enemy that never rests, constantly attacking, leaving him drained.
Yesterday, Branson was infused with more donor cells in the hope of giving his immune system an extra boost to fight these viruses. But his little body is just so tired.
He’s not only fighting the adenovirus and all its awful side effects, but the BK virus has returned too. It’s brutal. Every day feels like a new challenge, and sometimes it feels like we’re watching him being crushed by a storm we can’t stop.
Earlier this week, Branson underwent both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy to figure out why he’s in constant pain, vomiting, and struggling with stomach issues.
The results showed his intestines are extremely inflamed, with a significant buildup of fluid and air in his abdomen. That explained so much of the discomfort he’s been enduring. Thankfully, aside from the inflammation and pressure, everything else looked okay.
Branson is sleeping most days, barely eating or drinking, and so frail. We asked again about placing a feeding tube because his body is so malnourished, but the doctors said his platelets are still too low.
With all the vomiting, they feel it’s too risky right now. We’re praying that in the coming days his counts improve enough for them to place one because he desperately needs nutrition and strength.
The doctors have told us that because of all the harsh therapies he endured in the U.S. before coming here, his body is taking an even harder hit than most children do after a transplant.
Watching Branson suffer day after day is gut-wrenching beyond words. Each time he grimaces in pain, we feel every bit of it ourselves. The helplessness is a heavy weight we carry constantly.
We miss home more than words can express. We miss Donald. We miss Maddox and Maggie. We miss our dog. We miss our people, our routines, our life.
Living this nightmare in real time while the rest of the world keeps turning is nearly impossible. We feel like we’re standing still, waiting for some sign of relief for Branson.
Please pray. Pray, pray, and pray again that these new cells will take hold. Pray that Branson’s body will finally turn a corner.
Pray that the viruses will be cleared, the inflammation will calm, his pain will ease, his appetite and vision will return, and his strength will be restored. Branson deserves to feel good again. He deserves to just be a kid again.
We cling to faith, even when it feels impossible. Every single prayer being lifted for Branson carries us through.
They remind us that even in the darkest moments, we are not alone. The love and support pouring in from everyone around us give us the strength to keep going, day after day, minute after minute.
Every message, every prayer, every ounce of love and support means more than we can ever express. We could not make it a single day without each and every one of you. Your words, your care, your hope—they are what keep us standing. They are what keep Branson fighting.
Watching Branson lie there, we feel both helpless and determined. Every breath he takes reminds us of his strength, courage, and resilience.
We have seen Branson smile, even just fleetingly, between the pain and exhaustion. Those brief glimpses of happiness give us hope that one day he will come through this, healthy and strong, able to live the childhood he deserves.
While waiting for that miracle, we stay by Branson’s side, holding his hand, whispering words of love, and sending up every hope and prayer we can muster.
Every day is a battle, but we know we are not alone. The prayers and love from all of you are lifting us, giving us courage, and giving Branson a fighting chance.
And in the quiet moments, when Branson drifts off to sleep, we stand there, listening to his fragile breathing, silently promising that tomorrow will be different.
A day when his body may heal a little more, when the viruses may weaken, when his smile may return. We will not give up. We will continue to pray, to love, and to stand strong until Branson can return to the normal life he deserves.
Every day is a test of faith, a reminder of the fragility and preciousness of life, but also a reminder of the power of hope, love, and community. Branson’s fight is not just his own—it has become ours, yours, and everyone who is holding him in their hearts and prayers.
And together, we continue to hope for that day when he can finally be free from pain, free to be a child, free to live. A day when Branson’s body is strong, his smile is bright, and his childhood is restored to him. We will never give up.
