Ava's Way Blood Drive

Ava’s Way Blood Drive

Living Ava’s Way is in honor of Ava Hutchinson, and the way she changed lives through her spirit, drive, and kindness. There is joy in sharing her legacy of giving as we set out to change the world one smile at a time.

Ava was everyone’s best buddy, no matter how young or old. She was friendly and had a heart of gold. Ava especially loved a good laugh and had a witty sense of humor. She loved to sing and dance too, but fashion was her passion. She had a sense of sassy style that stood out, always accessorized from head to toe.

Ava’s life wasn’t easy, but she lived like a champ.

At twenty-eight months of age, they diagnosed Ava with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. She endured many surgeries and lots of chemotherapy that first year. As she was nearing the end of her treatment protocol, they hit us with the tragic news that her cancer was back. Ava underwent 30 rounds of high-dose radiation to her brain and spine, followed by three rounds of high-dose chemo and stem cell transplants. Just two weeks before Ava’s 4th birthday, the treatment was over and she was in remission.

But the fight wasn’t over...

There was the emotional aftermath as her family found themselves faced with recovering Ava’s emotional well-being and reintroducing her to the world. All she knew was fighting cancer. Then the late effects of treatment slowly started creeping in, like thyroid issues, physical and cognitive issues such as balance and learning, ear surgeries to fix holes created by the radiation, cataract surgeries to correct her vision, and growth hormone shots because she stopped growing. Those are just a few of the speed bumps Ava faced over the next 7 years, but the last “late effect” of cancer was one that couldn’t be fixed. They found secondary cancer during a routine check-up in July 2016. This cancer was terminal. 

Through all of this, Ava seldomly cried. There was no self-pity or "why me". She had anxiety about her treatments, but she never complained. Even though the new brain tumors were terminal, she put on her game face and fought it for 14 months. She fought to LIVE until her very last breath.

Ava’s faith, will to live, and endless love impacted the world. This is Ava’s way, so let’s LIVE it up!

Join us in Bondurant, on September 20th, for Ava's Way Blood Drive. We'll be at the Federated Church, 103 2nd St SW, Bondurant, IA, from 8am to 12pm. Sign up below, and help us carry on her amazing spirit by donating.

Schedule Today

Go back