Ava was your normal two year old little girl. She was enjoying the hot Atlanta summer like any other child her age. She was busy with play groups and trips to the swimming pool. She had a good tan. We began to notice that she was beginning to look very pale. We were not sure what to think because she was otherwise fine. She was playing and happy most of the time. When others made mention of her pale skin in the middle of July, we decided to go to the doctor and check it out. It was during that visit on July 27, 2007 at 2 years and 3 months old that Ava was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). We were unsure at first what that meant, but we learned quickly. We were rushed over to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Scottish Rite. It was in this place that we received the news that no parent wants to hear. We were overcome with the waves of emotion of every kind. The E.R. was somewhat a dreaded place we had been 2 times before. Even though we received the best possible care, it was a place we did not want to be. It has since become a refuge. It is a place as comforting as our own home. That first of many stays at the hospital was very tough for our entire family. During that visit we met our primary oncologist Dr. Glenn Lew and many nurses and techs. Dr. Lew set for the protocol for Ava’s treatment. It was to consist of 27 months of treatment. We would face an intense first month with two long stretches on intense steroids, medications and radiation. Since that first week in the hospital we have been to the Aflac Cancer Center almost weekly. We have become very close to the doctors and nurses. Ava is such a wonderful little person with so much personality. The nurses have become the backbone for our strength. We rely on many of them for information and emotional support. The emotional part is difficult to share. They share it without hesitation- Kim, Liz, Heather, Erica, Karen, Joy, Niki, Elisha, Rebekah, Olivia and many, many more are God’s most wonderful people. We have learned more about the unconditional goodness and love of people to complete strangers, than we ever thought possible. We have not remained strangers though. We count these nurses and doctors amongst the best of friends and thank them for all they do. We love every one of them. We have also been overwhelmed by the support from family, friends, and friends of friends. These people pray for us and send us whatever positive thoughts the can our way. It really made us realize that there is more to life than we had thought. Relationships with our fellow humans truly make life worth living. We have met the best of the best. While we would trade anything to be rid of ALL, we are glad to have been exposed to the best of humanity.