One Journey Ends and Another One Begins!

Medical Families

This has been a year of amazing milestones for Ava and her family. Read more about these milestones and how Ava perseveres through it all.

Ava was diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension when she was 15 years old. According to The University of North Carolina Children’s Hospital, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. It causes difficulty breathing and can lead to heart failure. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for PH but it can be managed.

Due to her condition, Ava spent a significant amount of her high school years in the hospital or at doctors’ appointments. The medications she was on caused a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort, making high school more difficult than it should have been.

Double the Celebration

When she was first diagnosed, she was given a long list of things she would never be able to do again. Hearing something like that as a 15-year-old could be devastating, but Ava has had a wonderful attitude through it all and is determined to live her best life in spite of her diagnosis.

This year, Ava was able to celebrate not only turning 18 but also graduating from high school. This was very important to not only Ava but to her family and loved ones as well. Ava is a strong young woman and will not allow this to bring her down as she enters the next chapter of her life.

The Cake

Ava was excited to receive a cake from Icing Smiles. Sugar Angel Sasha Goldberg created a beautiful and delicious two-tiered cake decorated in graduation blue and white with red roses, green leaves, and gold for a pop of color.

Mom’s Appreciation

Sugar Angel Sasha has amazing talent, and Ava’s mom, Shelley, was so appreciative that she not only made Ava’s cake but also hand-delivered it to their town. She exceeded their expectations and embodied everything Icing Smiles aims to be.