A 6-year-old cancer patient was thinking of others during the course of her battle with cancer by making and distributing Easter baskets for disadvantaged kids currently isolating at home in her local area.
In line with the social distancing measures in place during the global pandemic, Avery’s completed Easter baskets were placed on the front porch of her home. The little girl’s mother and father, Monika and Francisco Amzures, posted about their daughter’s handmade gifts on Facebook and encouraged parents to drop by to collect a basket for their kids.
“We’ve gone through the whole quarantine thing, not being able to go out, not having people come over,” Avery’s father, Francisco, explained. “She knows what the other kids are going through because she’s been going through this almost the last year and a half already.”
Avery was rushed to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where Monika and Francisco were informed that their daughter was suffering from B-cell leukemia, meaning that the cancer had reached Avery’s bone marrow.
“They were completely devastated,” wrote Shanelle. “The doctors put together a treatment plan so Avery can overcome this cancer. There is no telling how long she has been suffering from this cancer, but the good news is the treatment team is very hopeful she will beat it.”
“Monika and Cisco are doing their very best to stay positive and strong for their baby girl and family,” Shanelle continued. “They need our continued prayers.” Shanelle then urged people who have the financial means to contribute to the family’s fund. To date, the fund has raised just over $2,900 of a $5,000 goal.
Meanwhile, despite her health struggles, Avery has long found solace in acting charitably.
Avery’s grandmother Norma Zampillo recalled a story from her granddaughter’s early childhood; when her best friend, who had wished to be a fireman, tragically passed away, Avery had a moving impulse to honor his memory.
“[T]he next day,” Zampillo recalled, “she had gotten some money from making flowers and she wanted me to take her to get donuts. Took them to the fire department and to the courthouse here in Queen Creek.”
Avery has chemotherapy treatments scheduled until January 2021. “She still has to go another five years before they can actually say she'll be cancer-free,” her father explained.
In the meantime, Avery copes by thinking of others. By Easter Sunday 2020, every single one of Avery’s lovingly prepared Easter baskets for disadvantaged children in the Queen Creek, Arizona, area had been collected.
