After considering many wish options, Ava decided on one to include meeting her favorite animal, an otter. Make-A-Wish^® Michigan went straight to work and coordinated with Nurtured by Nature to give Ava an otterly extraordinary, face-to-face encounter with some adorable critters. A partnering nonprofit organization in San Diego, Nurtured by Nature is committed to animal conservancy worldwide, with a focus on wish granting.

A sloth, foxes, and a capybara were among the other critters she met that day. “I think the capybara was my favorite. It was like holding a little potato with feet. They are so adorable,” Ava giggles.

While in San Diego, Ava made the most of her time. She received a VIP tour at the San Diego Zoo where she pet an elephant, met a zookeeper and a vet, and fed bananas to monkeys. She observed wild sea lions at a public beach, found sea urchins in tide pools, and celebrated ‘YES’ day with her family. Within reason, YES was the answer of the day. Shopping, ice cream as an appetizer, and a sushi picnic in the hotel room were among the highlights.

Jennifer, Ava’s mom shares, “This was an incredible trip to celebrate her health and spend time together as a family; and one we could never duplicate. Cancer makes you feel so powerless…and sick kids have a lot of choices taken away. When Ava learned she was receiving a wish, a choice was given back to her. The process of choosing [a wish] felt empowering, [and provided] happiness and something positive to focus on...and the nurses and therapists were really great talking with her about it during some of the tough times.”

While receiving proton therapy far from home at Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital, the staff was instrumental in keeping Ava upbeat. With daily visits, the staff made long, 12-hour treatment days bearable. Knowing Ava began learning guitar through music therapy, one staff member brought her guitar from home and played with her during treatment. “It helped to pass the time quickly and made it not feel so bad,” says Jennifer.

Where is Ava now? She says she is “feeling great and starting 7th grade in the fall. I love music and played my first open mic set. It was amazing! I am so thankful for Make-A-Wish Michigan and a trip I will remember forever.”

Jennifer adds, “We are just so appreciative to everyone who has a part at Make-A-Wish Michigan, including Ava’s wish volunteers who were especially kind to her. It’s an unbelievably special organization, and I know it couldn’t happen without the commitment of so many.”