Supporting Avah's Fight with Love and Community

My mom has said to me time and time again, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. But I think as teenagers, we think we’re somehow invincible—our whole life ahead of us. A few days ago, my best friend Avah Johnson was admitted to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. She’s been fatigued, her legs covered in bruises, and she’s been dizzy a few times at soccer practice. Avah is tough as nails—not one to complain ever—so we knew something wasn’t right.

After 6 days in the hospital, she’s been diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia- a severe hematologic condition in which the body fails to make blood cells in the bone marrow in sufficient numbers. It's serious (and honestly scary) because it affects all blood cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets - leaving her immunocompromised. The most effective treatment for aplastic anemia is a bone marrow transplant from a close relative, typically a sibling. Avah has two amazing sisters who I know will do anything to help protect their sister, but I can only imagine how frightening all of this is for them, and especially for Bobby and Amanda—Avah’s parents.

Friends, this is where we come in… I’m reaching out, asking you to join me in supporting this amazing family in their journey ahead. Avah will need to undergo chemotherapy to essentially kill her existing bone marrow so her body will accept the transplant. Prior to the chemo and transplant procedure, it has been suggested that she have some of her reproductive eggs harvested in an effort to protect her ability to someday have children (a procedure we're still unsure if insurance will cover). Her sisters will need to be tested to verify their status as donors, and then ultimately the donor procedure. There will be multiple tests and transfusions to ensure Avah's platelet levels, hemoglobin, and white blood cells are functioning as they should. Without the transfusions, her numbers will continuously drop. Avah being immunocompromised, coupled with hospital stays and numerous doctor’s appointments, likely inhibits Amanda's ability to run her in-home daycare. I know most families today rely on incomes from both parents to meet their monthly expenses. Please, I know we can help.

Of all possessions one might have in this lifetime, I think friendship is the most precious. And I’ve been incredibly blessed. People think she’s quiet, she’s not; she’s absolutely hilarious (and loud!) with a sense of humor that will bring you to tears in laughter. She sees the best in people—even when they’re at their worst. Avah is an artist, she paints, and her creativity is the stuff of jealousy! But what I admire most about Avah is her fight. She’s fierce. You don’t expect it, but she doesn’t back down. So I know this is a battle she’ll win, we just can’t let her and her family fight this alone.

Autobots—Roll out!