Avery is a thriving, outgoing, and sassy 6-year-old who understands that her heart is special. From all outward appearances you might never guess what she has been through at such a young age. 

Before she was even born, Avery’s family learned she had a problem with her heart. Diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect, or a hole in the heart, at six months old Avery had her first surgery. She later had another surgery to insert a microvalve. 

While attending an event for pediatric heart patients, Avery’s mother Aisha learned about Make-A-Wish and referred Avery for a wish. They then met her volunteer team and Avery shared her wish to visit Walt Disney World.  Avery loves to sing along with Disney movies and often enjoys dressing up like her favorite characters. She enjoys watching and rewatching these movies, and that never dimmed as she waited out the pandemic for her wish to be granted. This spring, Avery was over-the-moon excited to embark on her adventure.

Accompanied by her mother, father, and two brothers, Make-A-Wish sent the family from their Berwyn home to the Florida theme parks for Avery’s wish. Her brother Ethan is only one-year older, and the two enjoyed quality time together and created life-long memories on the trip. For so long, the whole family revolved around Avery’s condition and recovery, making the carefree time of the wish experience very rewarding. They described it as “magical.”

The whole experience had an incredible impact on Avery. “It was unspeakable,” Aisha shared. “Dad and I had our own little cry because it was all for her. She was treated so special and everything she wanted; she could get.”