Ava update - September 2010

It has been quite some time since I last posted an entry on Ava’s progress. For that, I apologize. It amazes me that the summer is almost over and school is back in session. Ava restarted her vision school in mid August and will continue on at a PPCD (special needs) program when she turns 3 later this month. We spent the summer working on improving Ava’s fine motor skills with occupational therapy three times a week and gross motor skills with gymnastics once a week as directed by her physician. She also continues with vision therapy and mobility and orientation therapy. After meeting with a few specialists a few weeks ago it is being suggested that we put Ava back in physical therapy three times a week as it appears that she is starting to fall even more behind in her gross motor skills. I try to come up with a plan on how that is going to work into the schedule and it seems almost impossible. To think that the majority of time Ava is awake during the day is spent going to therapies is mind boggling. Amazing that the therapies are available, but sad that she has to endure this on a daily basis. As a Mother I feel powerless.

Ava continues to wear her helmet to protect herself from falls. She also wears her glasses which seem to help her eyes to focus. According to her doctor she has a very difficult time seeing anything without her glasses. It is still unknown as to the extent of damage to her vision. It may be quite some time until we have some definitive answers. She has become a cane walker at school and has even asked for it at home a few times. I think she finds some sort of comfort in it. An object I once looked at with fear, I now see as an amazing tool.

I wanted to briefly mention the legal side of this as many people are wondering what has taken place. The trial date was reset once again. It continues to amaze me that the victims in this are the ones that have to continue to suffer. My hope is that one day the person who did this will take responsibility for her actions. As always, I will continue to advocate for my daughter. This will never be forgotten.

A more positive side to this is our formation of a charitable organization called AVA’S WISH, INC. The purpose of the organization will be to provide support services to patients and family members affected by pediatric head trauma and related disorders. I have listed a few of our first events that will be taking place in 2010.

Ava’s Wish has an event that will take place on November 4th at the Valencia Hotel in San Antonio. The event is called Fashiontini. Part of the proceeds raised that evening will be donated back to Ava’s Wish. There will be more details to come. If you can make it out for this wonderful event we would love to see you.

The San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Marathon is quickly approaching. It is scheduled for November 14th. We will have an Ava’s Wish team. If you are interested in joining please contact me at avaswishinc@yahoo.com.

Ava’s Wish, Inc. just became a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. We are currently working on a website and will notify you when it is up and running.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and kind words…….

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN