Ava Holder

Dear Lovely Little Blog Readers,

I’ve had the chance to meet Ava and her mom, Chrisie, a few times. I have looked this little girl in the eyes and I have seen the fire that exists. She has endured so much and continues to fight like a rockstar. Ava’s family needs help as they start a new treatment in Texas as they have been left with no other options. Please take the time to read the letter written by Ava’s Grandmother below. If there is anything you can do, no matter how big or small, it would help so much. Please keep this little girl in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever it is you choose to do. Please take the time, to remember how lucky you are to have your babies safe and healthy. Please stop and cherish every single second you have with them. I’ll be talking to Ro today and asking him to watch over Ava and help her in any way he can.

I love you all so much. Thank you for your endless love and support. Thank you for being grateful. Thank you for being the best version of yourself, that Ronan would give anything to be.

Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing this letter on behalf of my granddaughter, Ava Holder, who as many of you know is battling cancer. This February marks the 3rd anniversary of Ava’s diagnosis of Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma. Over the last 1,095 days Ava has had huge obstacles to overcome. Ava has never had a break in her treatment – it has been a constant for our family. It is remarkable that Ava has survived this disease and her treatments to this point. We were not sure Ava would make it to her 2nd birthday. Ava has relapsed in her brain 3 times and in her body several times. Ava is currently in the fight of her life with an inoperable brain tumor and a tumor on her pelvis.

Doctors have given Ava limited treatment options as she has had her maximum amount of radiation and 17 cycles of high dose chemo which has required 2 stem cell rescues, 5 tumors removed from her brain, and 1 major resection surgery in her abdomen. Despite all this Ava is a vibrant four and a half year old who loves to ride her bike, play dress up, and most of all loves her big brother Eli. Ava looks forward to the future and has dreams to one day become a doctor and help kids just like her.

Ava has never given up her fight and neither has her family. This February Ava with her family will travel to Houston, Texas where they will embark on an experimental trial that involves chemotherapy and a vaccine treatment. The year long trial consists of traveling to Houston every 2 weeks for the vaccine. The expense incurred over the next year will include airline travel, lodging, ground transportation, meals, and various medical expenses and copays plus any unforeseen costs. Total monthly costs are expected to exceed $2,000. These costs will be incurred every month for a year. Many of you have asked what you can do to help. Having a child with cancer is stressful. It takes it’s daily toll on you physically, emotionally and financially. Chrisie and Nick are so strong and have always handled the situation with such grace and dignity. They would never complain or ask for help themselves which is why I’m reaching out for them and my granddaughter.

The expenses of associated costs surrounding Ava’s treatments will add up quickly. We have seen our friends and family come together in the past to help Ava but continue to be asked what can be done to help now. So I ask you, our friends and family, to assist financially Ava’s family with current travel and medical expenses. Any contribution is welcomed, no amount is too small.

Thank you for your continued support and love. Please share this letter with others who have the ability to support Ava. Family updates can be viewed at:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/avaholder

All checks can be made payable to Ava’s parents. Chrisie and Nick have set up a savings account dedicated to Ava’s medical/travel expenses.

Nick and Chrisie Funari
18036 N 93rd Street
Scottsdale AZ 85255

With Great Love and Hope,

Bruce and Sharon Elliasen
Cell#602-432-2962