Meet Avery
Avery’s journey began before she was born. At four months pregnant, her parents learned she would be born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a serious congenital heart defect. From that moment, their lives became a whirlwind of medical appointments, careful planning, and hope amidst uncertainty.
Avery defied the odds. At just four months old, she underwent a ten-hour open-heart surgery, including an aortic valve repair. Her tiny body was placed on full heart bypass as surgeons worked to repair multiple holes in her heart. Throughout the procedure, Avery’s life depended on blood donated by complete strangers. Their generosity made it possible for doctors to perform this complex surgery and save her life.
“Without the donation of blood by complete strangers, Avery’s tiny life would have come to an end,” Amanda and Rey share. “The incredible skill of her medical team made the surgery possible, but it was only through the generosity of blood donors that she survived.”
Today, Avery is a vibrant and energetic child thriving in school. She loves princesses, dancing, and visiting Valley Children’s Hospital, where she proudly considers the nurses and doctors part of her extended family. She has already enjoyed baseball and soccer and looks forward to gymnastics and dance classes.
Avery’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of blood donation. Behind every donation is a child, a family, and a chance at life.
“If you have ever considered donating blood, please know that real people like Avery are on the other end of your gift,” her parents urge. “Your donations can mean the difference between life and death. Thank you will never be enough.”
