Help Aven Beat Cancer

This January, my little niece Aven Martin, age 6, was rushed to the hospital because of painful headaches, vomiting and other concerning symptoms.  CT and MRI scans revealed that she had a tumour in her cerebellum. On Tuesday, January 15th, the neurosurgeons at the Stollery Children’s Hospital removed 100% of the tumour.  But on Thursday February 7th, after the biopsy and pathology report came back, we found out she has been diagnosed with Medulloblastoma sub-group 3, a highly aggressive and malignant form of childhood brain cancer.

Because of her age and cancer type, her doctors are saying that her best possible chance for a cure is to undergo 6-9 weeks of an advanced form of radiation therapy at the University of Florida's Proton Therapy Institute, before continuing with chemotherapy at home in Canada. This therapy will target the cancer cells directly while causing the least amount of damage to her developing brain and young body.

The family will likely be able to secure funding for the treatment itself, as well as for Aven and one companion to fly over. Her mother Jacqueline is planning to travel with her, leaving behind Aven's dad, Aaron, and their four other children: Gigi, Lily (Aven's twin sister), Jimmy, and Ammon, who is not yet 3. All expenses aside from the treatment and flights over will be up to them to provide up front and they are considering all options available to them, including applying to charities to potentially get some costs reimbursed. All this comes after a prolonged period of financial hardship for Aven's family. The social worker assisting Aven's family has recommended that they open an account to help cover incidentals for an entire year of treatment, and this will be an ongoing challenge for them.

Anything you could contribute here would help Aven's family manage the cost of any medication and treatments not covered by the insurance or government subsidy, (such as physiotherapy). Funds raised will also be used for such things as transportation, accommodations, and food for Aven and Jaqueline while they are out of the country, and expenses for the family for when Aaron has to miss work in the next year of Aven's treatment.

Our sweet Aven has overcome a lot so far and her recovery after brain surgery is considered miraculous. But she still has a long way to go. Throughout it all, she has remained one of the kindest, most generous and loving little girls I know. Please help ease her family's burden as Aven continues to fight for her life. Every little bit will make a difference and will be so greatly appreciated!

If you would like to know of other ways you can help, please consider the following:

-Organize a bottle drive in your community or participate in the Martin family’s fundraisers (Locally there will be a family dance, a bottle drive, bake sales, etc.)
-Reach out to any friends or family that you have in that part of Florida, as they will need a support system while there
-Air miles transfers so that Aaron can travel to provide occasional support for Aven and Jacqueline.
-Cash donations directly to Aven's bank account (please email for more details at: [email redacted])
-Gas and grocery gift cards (mailed to PO Box 1632 Onoway, AB T0E 1V0)
-Continued prayer and positive thoughts sent their way.
-email [email redacted] to find out about even more ways to help

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