“She’s very spunky. A science and math girl,” says Kait of her daughter Avery. “She’s super smart and super outgoing.”
On the first day of school in 2021, this 6-year-old dynamo woke up in the middle of the night with a fever. It was the beginning of a multi-year healthcare journey. Off and on for six weeks, Avery experienced low-grade fevers and terrible leg pain that woke her during the night. She was often pale. Since this was the year after COVID, the family had been home most of the time. Avery’s parents knew she hadn’t been around people, so they couldn’t imagine what was making her sick. Multiple pediatrician visits and tests didn’t provide any definite answers. She would seem okay during a visit to the doctor, but then her bloodwork would rebound.
“The six weeks just felt like it was a lifetime,” said her mom, Kait. When her symptoms got even worse – she starting having problems moving her arms and legs – the family went back to the emergency room, where a care team that included infectious disease specialists and oncologists evaluated Avery.
A spinal tap revealed that Avery had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Aggressive treatment started right away. Mom taught her meditation to help her cope with her hospitalization and the side effects of chemotherapy. Together they recited positive affirmations like “The leukemia is leaving my body.” When her hair started to fall out, she decided to shave her head, and her Dad, Alex, shaved his head right along with her.
Avery’s parents marvel at her resilience: “Even in the hospital, she kept doing her work. She finished first grade on time,” said Kait. “She lived a normal kid life while she was going through the hardest thing adults can experience.”
Last fall, Avery was able to participate in Notre Dame’s Fight for Life program and see herself on TV; this falll, she’s thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with the Notre Dame players again.
“She tells everybody, ‘I’m a kid reporter for Notre Dame, and I’m going to be on TV!’” said Kait, adding, “Her fan club is waiting!”
