Meet Our Little Hero, Ava

Written by Kym Jones (Ava’s mom)

 

Kids Kicking Cancer is grateful for Ava and her family, and their willingness to share their story so we can help change more lives.Just over a year ago, my family’s whole world turned upside down. Your first thought might be that we lost a family member to COVID-19. Fortunately for us, that wasn’t the case. Unfortunately for us, it was hearing the news that our seven-year-old daughter Ava was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer. On top of getting this earth-shaking news, we struggled to find time to spend together as a family due to frequent doctor’s office visits, chemo infusions and radiation treatments. Luckily, our hero Ava powered through everything, but this made a difficult situation worse.In the beginning, we struggled to get Ava out of the house for her treatment since she was terrified of getting her port accessed. This process physically and emotionally drained all of us – Ava, our family, her nurses and the entire medical team. At times it took up to two hours for her port access procedure for weekly chemotherapy and blood tests. Things changed dramatically last October, when we received an invitation to participate in a virtual martial arts therapy class hosted by Kids Kicking Cancer. During the months prior to this invitation, Ava became fascinated with all things karate. We had a hunch that this program would be an exciting way to bring some joy into her life. Little did we know it would make such an amazing difference. Ava loved the class immediately and looked forward to her Kids Kicking Cancer martial arts therapy sessions. In her weekly Zoom sessions with her Martial Arts Therapist Keith she’s learned breathing techniques, called power breathing, to ease her anxiety and pain, as well as body scans and non-contact martial arts movement. Ava learned to use her power breathing prior to her port being accessed. It is also helpful before taking medications, MRIs, and any time she’s in an uncomfortable situation. This has been life changing. Now she can have her port accessed in just a minute or two, thanks to Kids Kicking Cancer. She also uses body scans, karate punches and kicks to work through the pain she’s felt when going through her treatments over the past year.Kids Kicking Cancer and the Heroes Circle community can be an incredible source of strength and comfort to more children who are just like my daughter – children who are battling through an illness and can learn how to work through difficult situations and ease their anxieties by using power breathing, martial arts meditation and body scans. Kids Kicking Cancer’s vision is to empower one million children with all types of illnesses to reduce their pain and stress – transforming them from victim to victor – and helping them emerge as “powerful martial artists.”With the help of generous supporters, these children learn to battle through trauma and find healing. In addition to working through stresses and anxieties, these children make their time together fun and educational with the help of their Martial Arts Therapists. This program helps these children find Power Peace and Purpose during a time that is dark and scary. In addition to learning these wonderful martial arts-based meditation techniques to promote calm and alleviate her pain, Ava has also received the gift of strength, courage and a group of new friends who know exactly what she is going through. Kids Kicking Cancer provides a perfect platform for her to make friends and connect with kids in a safe environment to talk about her feelings. The Martial Arts Therapists also provide a source of strength and empowerment, while recognizing these kids for the warriors that they are. Knowing that Ava has had the Heroes Circle community to help her through all of this brings a smile to my face. Honestly, this program is just as uplifting for me as it is for her. I truly don’t know what we would have done without this program. Ava and her friends in the Heroes Circle would love to hear from you! I encourage you to send a message letting them know how they’ve helped, or inspired you. If you send directly to Kids Kicking Cancer, their incredible staff will ensure that your message is delivered. Thank you for taking the time to meet our little hero. UPDATE: Ava’s last appointment showed that her tumor is stable, so she is done with her treatments and will begin quarterly scans. She is enjoying life and excited she made honor roll this semester, as well as continuing her Kids Kicking Cancer classes weekly.