Ava was diagnosed with a respiratory disorder at birth, but doctors couldn’t pinpoint the extent of her condition. She struggled with breathing and lung capacity, wearing a vest that shook several times a day to ensure her lungs stayed clear of any mucus. Finally in 2012, the FDA approved a drug that would help open a passageway in her lungs to help her breathe better. 

When Ava qualified for a wish, she wished to go snowboarding with her family. “I wanted to use my wish to reward my family for the struggles we went through when I was a child,” she said. “I did not realize how different my childhood was from most kids. My parents made me feel like every other kid, but as I became older, I have seen that not every kid spends hours in the hospital, takes medicine regularly, and battles insurance monthly.” 

Because of the support of donors and volunteers, Ava's wish came true, bringing her family closer together and providing them with time away to make memories that will last a lifetime.