On March 14th, 2023, our world stopped. What we thought was a routine doctor's visit for abdominal pain ended with hearing the words, “Your child has cancer.” That day, Ava was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and our lives changed forever. That day, Team Ava began.
Ava was transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana-Farber, where she began her treatment almost immediately. Over the next two years, our brave, bright, funny, Taylor Swift–loving girl endured more than most adults will in a lifetime. She spent nearly 70 consecutive days in the hospital separated from her friends, routine, and sense of normal life, yet she still smiled. She fought. Alongside weekly chemotherapy she underwent countless procedures, endless pokes and prods, spinal taps, transfusions, and medications with side effects that would knock anyone down. But Ava stood back up every time. Her courage never stopped inspiring us. We are so thankful to tell you that Ava rang the bell on April 28th, 2025. She did it. We did it. But never alone.
Ava may be in remission, but our mission does not stop. Team Ava's goal is to help other families impacted by this awful disease. To be a light during their darkest times, just like people were for us. Because no one should fight this alone.
Through Ava’s journey over these last 2.5 years, Team Ava has raised over $300,000 for pediatric cancer research through campaigns supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Fanconi Cancer Foundation, and Boston Children's Hospital. Beyond research, we have directly supported families facing pediatric cancer by providing financial assistance from our community driven events through sports. We have donated over $30,000 to families and hope to continue to be a light.
Our impact is fueled by events that bring people together and spread awareness including our annual Hoops for Hope 3v3 Basketball Tournament and our Fight Like a Kid Childhood Cancer Awareness Games. Local community members have also teamed up with us to host dance classes, pilates classes, holiday themed events, and more!
Our events, centered around sports, do more than raise funds; they raise awareness, build community, and remind families that they are not fighting alone.
Through Ava’s fight, and the strength we’ve witnessed in countless other children, we’ve learned something powerful: kids fighting cancer show a level of courage, resilience, and heart that defines strength.
Families did not choose this fight.
Kids never chose this strength.
But KIDS inspire entire communities through their fight and will to live.
They are the reason we FIGHT LIKE A KID.