A few months ago, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a post about a beautiful little girl fighting for her life. Ava London Doiron-Frankland, also known as #brAVA on social media, is just seven-years-old and from Salem, N.H. In early 2014, she was diagnosed with glioblastoma -- a highly invasive brain cancer -- which she has been battling ever since.
After reading the initial post, I began following the story through the community Facebook page, Ava's Army, and through the updates posted by her loving fathers, Mike Doiron and Jeff Frankland. Each day, my heart breaks as I read new posts about her and her family coping with her diagnosis.
I am amazed at the strength of her fathers -- and sister, Ella -- throughout each and every obstacle. According to a close family friend, “Aunty” Alison Famisan-Levasseur, “To say that Mike and Jeff would move mountains for either of their daughters is an understatement.” It is truly unbelievable that throughout such hardships, Ava’s family holds themselves with such an admirable grace and strength.
From left to right: Mike, Ella, Ava, Jeff.
Since she was diagnosed in 2014, Ava has fought and conquered two tumors (a second in November 2015). Both were surgically removed in their entirety, but a third tumor was recently discovered, and Ava was hospitalized as she began treatment once again. Thus, her family began commuting back and forth to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
To make matters worse, Mike lost his job as a pharmacy manager in mid-April, leaving the family financially unstable during such a difficult time. Mike and Jeff were already struggling due to a reduction in working hours, because they, of course, spend their time by Ava’s side in the hospital. “One of the most overlooked financial struggles involves travel and the miscellaneous expenses that come with Ava's complex medical needs,” Famisan-Levasseur said.
I have witnessed an overwhelming support from the community, as complete strangers reach out to help. As of today, 3,500 people have shared the link to Ava’s GoFundMe and over $40,000 has been raised. However, this is not enough. There can always be more to give as Ava fights for her life, in order to support this family.
In Jeff’s recent Facebook post, he writes a powerful piece about his daughter as he held her in his arms on May 23rd.
“The truth of the matter is that we don't have as many days to sing as I would like. The changes are happening and we can see her becoming weaker. Since our first moment of learning, she had glioblastoma we knew these days would come. But, we chose to fight, to live, to experience and make lifelong memories for both our girls and our family.
"We met today with the team at MGH and talked about securing a home hospice agency to help us manage at home. We are trying to wrap our heads around this subject. Does this mean we are giving up? No! We will never give up, but our little girl must lead the way. She's becoming tired and we know that we can only push so much. This is about her and not us.
"It's amazing that one little 7-year-old can inspire so many people just by her smile. She certainly has moved mountains simply by just being #brAVA. We know that Ava, as well as so many before her that fought so hard, will forever lead the way as true heroes and that they all deserved more than they were given.
"Ava is dying. My baby girl is dying and I cannot do anything to help her. I'm supposed to be her protector, her rock, yet I watch helplessly as this monster destroys her little by little. I will never be the same, but I will never give up the fight that our children deserve more funding, more research and better treatment options. I will work tirelessly to defeat cancer with every fiber of my being and I will make everyone aware that Ava and our many other special friends who have been taken from us are remembered for their fight and for their unwavering bravery to smile when they could've very easily given up...
"… Please hug your children tight. Don't worry about the small stuff. The dishes, the laundry, the landscaping... It can wait. Do what you want, take trips, make memories and don't wait... Don't wait! As you look at this picture above, despite everything she smiles. It's profound and it’s chilling to the bone.”
With that, I urge you to help this family in their battle against pediatric cancer. Join Ava’s Army as it grows in support of a beautiful little girl.
To Ava -- we are all here for you. Through every step of the way, we pray for you, we hope for you, we wish the very best for you and your family. You are truly inspiring and so very brave. Keep fighting.
"And though she be but little, she is fierce." William Shakespeare.
Follow her story: Ava's Army.
Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/zzdejn44
