Avery was born in May, 2012 weighing in at 3 pounds, 12 ounces. It wasn’t until after a year full of appointments with numerous doctors and specialists that we were sent to see genetics and Avery was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, CdLS for short, is a genetic syndrome characterized by delayed growth and development.

Avery might be small in size, but she is big in personality and heart. She loves being outside, hiking, fishing, and paddle boarding with her mom and dad. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys going to any sporting event, but is especially fond of watching football and hockey. This past year she has enjoyed meeting new friends playing soccer, unified basketball, and participating in special Olympics track and field.

When she’s not outside, Avery likes to spend her time doing crafts. She’s never met a sticker book she didn’t love. She recently started music therapy and has taken an interest in the ukulele.

Faith and family are two of the most important things in Avery’s life. She’s blessed with two awesome sets of grandparents that she loves road-tripping to visit and be spoiled by, and a whole host of aunts, uncles, and cousins that she adores.

Avery is one of the strongest and fierce individuals we know. When she wants something, she will find a way to make it happen, and she’s not going to let anyone tell her she can’t do something. She’s fiesty, persistent, and a ball full of energy. She’s got a laugh that’s contagious, and a smile that lights up a room.