On September 21st our beautiful daughter Ava Amelie was born.  She was healthy, happy, and so very beautiful.  We were truly blessed.  After a few short months, we were anxious to celebrate our first Christmas with our daughter.  Unfortunately, we had no idea what the future would bring.  Ava came down with a virus on Christmas Eve, and we knew something was terribly wrong.  After a trip to our local hospital, Ava was transferred to McMaster Hospital in Hamilton as her liver was shutting down rapidly. From there, Ava was taken to the Children’s Hospital in London where, on New Years Eve, she was put on the list for a liver transplant.  We were so hopeful, as she was number one on the list for Canada, but she was very ill. On New Years day, we lost our baby girl.  She was almost 4 months old.  Words cannot express how it feels to be so helpless, and so, so sad.  

In amongst our sadness, and anger we decided that we have two choices.  We could be angry and bitter at the world, or we could try to help another child or family in some way.  Our decision was obvious, we had to keep going.  We have, and continue to support the wonderful hospital in London through fundraising, with the proceeds going directly to the paediatric critical care unit.   Ava’s smile was so bright and even though she was only here for a short time, she has touched so many people.  She is our angel, and is always in our hearts.