At the early age of two, Ava has already taught us so much about life. She’s taught us to never take the gift of life for granted and to never give up when faced with adversity. Since the accident, Ava has had to endure countless hours of therapy to relearn the simple acts of swallowing, sitting up, seeing, walking, and talking. She continues to be challenged with her vision impairment, but through it all Ava never shows signs of defeat. There are countless children just like Ava who are struggling with deficits every day. “Ava’s Wish” Foundation has been created to support children and families facing pediatric head trauma and disorders.
Another organization that is doing amazing things for children is the Ironman for Kids Foundation. They purchase and donate special needs bikes to children that physically cannot or do not have the ability to ride a bike. Much like Ava’s KidWalk, this equipment is highly specialized to the individual and very expensive. When Ava was learning to walk again, the KidWalk was so instrumental in getting her to where she is today. These bikes will allow many children to experience a simple joy in life that so many of us take for granted. The “Ironman for Kids” foundation will be holding their annual “Spin-to-Joy Spinathon” to raise money for this great cause and we’re asking for your support. The Lopez’ dear friend and cycling guru, Didi Kolkebeck, is forming “Team All for Ava” to raise awareness and show support for this fellow foundation. The goal would be to fill all 40 stationary bikes with “Team All for Ava” during the 9:00 – 10:00am time slot. Please see below for all the details:
What: “Spin to Joy” Spin-a-thon
Where: Tri-Point YMCA (281 S. & St. Marys St.)
When: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Time: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Didi is teaching the 9-10am slot)
Who: Open to All
How much: $20 donation – gets you a t-shirt and chance for more prizes
*** Getting sponsorships and/or increasing your donation would be greatly appreciated!
Register: Go to www.ironmanforkids.com
Click on “Spin to Joy” tab
Click on “Register Today” link
Click on “Register Now” box & begin your registration
Team: Indicate “Yes” when asked if you’re with a group & type in “Team All For Ava” in the Group box
Thank you in advance for your support! You’ll be helping some beautiful kids with special needs to experience the joy & excitement we can relish anytime: riding a bike.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Happy 2010!
Happy 2010……
I wanted to send a quick update on Ava’s progress. She had an ICP placed on December 30th and then monitored in the ICU for 24 hours. The doctors were able to remove the monitor on the 31st and we were able to ring in the new year with good news that Ava’s pressure in her brain was not elevated. The good news, actually the great news is that she will not require a shunt. The not so good news Is the fact that we still have no answer as to why she has an acute 6th nerve palsy. For the time being I am okay with the not knowing. Ava continues to exceed all of our expectations and she does so gracefully!
Ava continues to receive physical therapy three times a week, speech therapy twice a week and occupational therapy four times a week. Our plan was to try and put her in a school environment to help facilitate her socialization skills and independence….to give her the chance to do what most two years olds should be doing and that is enjoying the simple things in life. A week before Christmas I had a vision therapist approach me with the idea of Ava attending a VI school. Basically a school that specializes in children with severe visual impairment/blindness. I had to fight back tears as I had to be reminded once again of the carelessness that caused this visual impairment in my daughter. I was able to visit the school last week and was overly impressed with the teacher, her qualifications and her drive to help these children. Although a little hesitant with the idea at first, we have decided to start Ava in the class within the next few weeks. I am certain they will be able to foster her continued development.
As promised I wanted to give you all an update on the court case. I was notified Friday that it has been reset to February 1, 2010. Many people have offered to show their support and we are truly appreciative of that. I will continue to keep you all updated as the case evolves. People are welcome to attend the first hearing however I wanted to let people know that there is a chance that it may be reset a second time. Also, I feel that the time for people to attend should be after jury selection. This way the court is able to accomplish what they need to in a timely mannerJ It may take several days, months or even years to prosecute BUT please know that I will be my daughter’s advocate forever. Time will not change that fact. Time will also not change the fact that our family will continue to need the support of each and every last one of you so that this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Someone said to me just last night and I have heard this over and over again…. there are consequences for peoples actions……this case is the perfect example!
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!
Please send your letters to District Attorney Susan Reed:
300 Dolorosa
Suite 5072
San Antonio, TX 78205
Reference case numbers: 2009CR994 and 2009CR993
Love,
The Lopez Family
I wanted to send a quick update on Ava’s progress. She had an ICP placed on December 30th and then monitored in the ICU for 24 hours. The doctors were able to remove the monitor on the 31st and we were able to ring in the new year with good news that Ava’s pressure in her brain was not elevated. The good news, actually the great news is that she will not require a shunt. The not so good news Is the fact that we still have no answer as to why she has an acute 6th nerve palsy. For the time being I am okay with the not knowing. Ava continues to exceed all of our expectations and she does so gracefully!
Ava continues to receive physical therapy three times a week, speech therapy twice a week and occupational therapy four times a week. Our plan was to try and put her in a school environment to help facilitate her socialization skills and independence….to give her the chance to do what most two years olds should be doing and that is enjoying the simple things in life. A week before Christmas I had a vision therapist approach me with the idea of Ava attending a VI school. Basically a school that specializes in children with severe visual impairment/blindness. I had to fight back tears as I had to be reminded once again of the carelessness that caused this visual impairment in my daughter. I was able to visit the school last week and was overly impressed with the teacher, her qualifications and her drive to help these children. Although a little hesitant with the idea at first, we have decided to start Ava in the class within the next few weeks. I am certain they will be able to foster her continued development.
As promised I wanted to give you all an update on the court case. I was notified Friday that it has been reset to February 1, 2010. Many people have offered to show their support and we are truly appreciative of that. I will continue to keep you all updated as the case evolves. People are welcome to attend the first hearing however I wanted to let people know that there is a chance that it may be reset a second time. Also, I feel that the time for people to attend should be after jury selection. This way the court is able to accomplish what they need to in a timely mannerJ It may take several days, months or even years to prosecute BUT please know that I will be my daughter’s advocate forever. Time will not change that fact. Time will also not change the fact that our family will continue to need the support of each and every last one of you so that this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Someone said to me just last night and I have heard this over and over again…. there are consequences for peoples actions……this case is the perfect example!
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!
Please send your letters to District Attorney Susan Reed:
300 Dolorosa
Suite 5072
San Antonio, TX 78205
Reference case numbers: 2009CR994 and 2009CR993
Love,
The Lopez Family
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