On April 2nd, 2024, Avery’s parents took him to the emergency room to get an MRI due to some imbalance and eyesight issues. The MRI revealed a large mass in the back of his brain. They were all immediately transported to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, which sadly would be their home for the better part of the next year. 

Avery’s mass was determined to be a large cancerous brain tumor that required immediate surgery to remove, which lasted more than 10 hours. As he recovered Avery developed Posterior Fossa syndrome, a condition that can occur with this type of brain operation. It was extremely scary as Avery did not talk, move or eat for about 2 weeks. He just laid on his side staring at the wall from his hospital bed.  He developed ataxia on the right side of his body which caused many issues, among them needing to relearn how to walk. He also had extreme irritability that he would get to the point when he would black out from these intense emotions.

He was placed on feeding tubes, and had a surgical port installed in his chest for medication administration and blood draws. His oncology team set a plan for six rounds of chemotherapy including three rounds of bone marrow transplants, each round lasting about a month. Due to the intensive chemotherapy rounds and weakened immune system, Avery and his parents had to stay inpatient at the hospital during the entire process.

Avery is a warm-hearted little guy who brought smiles to the faces of every doctor, nurse or person that met him. He will refer to anyone he meets as his friends. Avery and his family celebrated the holidays in the hospital, including his 4th birthday.

Avery and his parents are now back in their hometown of Santa Barbara where they love to get out on the water fishing and exploring the beaches, ocean, and lakes. Avery loves to play with his toy trucks and loves anything Disney. His walking is getting better by the day, hair is coming back, and his warm heart and kindness are still present even after all he has been through. Avery’s MRI’s and cancer screens have so far come back negative for any new tumors or signs of disease. They know this will be a lifelong battle but do not feel alone with the support of family, friends and our community.