BrAva Children

Ava Nichols

Ava loved the music of Taylor Swift, the color pink, her devoted parents and toe socks. She was born to perform and never missed a chance to sing, dance and light up a room.

In late March 2010, our happy, beautiful four-year-old Ava was diagnosed with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), an inoperable tumor in her brain stem. The only child of young parents, Ava quickly became the sweetheart of her small, rural community.

Mere weeks after her diagnosis, Ava was accepted into a clinical trial at St. Jude ChildrenResearch Hospital.

She and her parents spent six weeks trying to get a jump on her aggressive cancer with the standard course of radiation and an added trial of chemotherapy drugs. After returning to her hometown in late May, Ava continued on chemotherapy at home for nearly two years.

In May of 2011, Ava suffered a stroke and went home to recover enough to attend school a couple hours a week in a wheelchair with her mama by her side, though she never recovered her ability to speak or walk on her own.

Through it all, she was an inspiration and a blessing, and she “fought like a girl,” as her country theme song goes.On March 13, 2012, just ten days shy of the two-year mark of her diagnosis, our girl, Ava Cole, earned her wings. In her short, six-and-a-half year life, Ava made such a difference. She was a warrior and a teacher. She lived her life out loud and was heard by so many.We would give back all the positive things that came from her diagnosis and more to have her here with us still. Please join us in the fight against pediatric cancer so that those who are still fighting have a better chance, and so that we can save every last child from fighting in the first place.

Bridget Crock

Bridget Crock was born August of 2006 and is a wonderful little girl who is loved by many.

At 17 months, Bridget Crock was diagnosed with pneumonia, and wrongly so. None of the doctors treating her knew of the rare genetic cancer called Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, through no fault of their own, as there was very little known in 2008 about this childhood cancer. After 7 months of extended hospital stays, five surgeries, countless x-rays, therapies, CT scans and finally a removal of the portion of the lung affected by this “incurable cyst”, Bridget was diagnosed correctly. She had Type 2 PPB which comes with a very aggressive treatment regime using harsh and potent chemotherapy, and only a 50% survival rate.

In January 2009, Bridget had her entire left lung, the lining around her lung, part of the lining around her heart, and a portion of her chest wall removed. More importantly, she had all of her cancer removed as well. Bridget completed treatment in July of that year and in August 2009 she celebrated her third birthday.

Today, Bridget is a vibrant, intelligent six year old and survivor, known for her constant smile and courage that would humiliate the strongest of adults. She is big sister to Anna, who was born while Bridget underwent treatment. Anna also carries the same genetic mutation that caused Bridget’s cancer and gets scanned every three months. As of today, Anna shows no signs of disease.

Since 2008 we have seen vast strides in the research for PPB. The PPB Registry has been around since 1970 and Bridget is number 288 to join the study. Since Bridget’s diagnosis we have seen many more children diagnosed correctly, more doctors aware of the disease, an increase in survival rate due to earlier detection, and increase in funding due to the discovery of the Dicer 1 gene mutation, which means an increase in research abilities.

The entire Crock family is part of the National Cancer Institute’s study of PPB and is paving the way with protocol for siblings carrying the Dicer 1 mutation. Bridget and her mom, Desni, attended a congressional hearing in Washington D.C. to help pass the Healthcare Reform Bill forbidding insurance companies from denying coverage of those with pre-existing conditions. There they met with members of congress and the press and told her story. Bridget has attended every Relay for Life in her home county since her birth in 2006, but will be walking the survivor lap for the fourth time this year. Finally, Bridget is the inspiration for the “Br” in “BrAva” bringing awareness for the need for increased funding for childhood cancer research and raising money for local families currently living through the trials of childhood cancer. Our hope is that one day, it will no longer be needed which is why we say, “Until there is a cure!”.

Taryn Jorvig

Taryn Jorvig was a vibrant soul whose brief journey on earth left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. Born into a loving family, Taryn shared an unbreakable bond with his sister Ericha and his four brothers, Sage, Kellyn, Jakobe, and Osiris. His zest for life was evident in his passion for outdoor activities; he cherished every moment spent riding bikes, scooters, and hoverboards. A tech enthusiast at heart, Taryn also found joy in playing his PlayStation, a pastime that brought him immense pleasure.

One of Taryn’s most cherished memories were the car rides with his dad, where they would dance together, creating moments of light and happiness amidst the challenges of his hospital visits. 

Taryn’s battle with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma with Bone Marrow Disease was fought with the same courage and positivity that he approached life with. Although his time was cut short, the memories he created, the love he shared, and the joy he brought to his family will forever be treasured. Taryn’s legacy is a reminder of the preciousness of each moment and the enduring power of love.