UK Cancer Patient Featured in "A Document of Courage" Exhibit

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 30, 2013) — As she grows older, young cancer survivor Ava May might not remember all the obstacles she overcame in the first few years of her life, but through a special project developed by her mother, Allison, she'll one day be able to understand how far she's come.

In 2011, then three-year-old Ava was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer called a Wilms' tumor. Only about 500 children each year are diagnosed with the disease, and most are very young, like Ava.

After conferring with doctors at Kentucky Children's Hospital and a Wilms' tumor specialist from Washington, D.C., Ava underwent surgery to remove the tumor -- weighing in at five pounds -- and completed 21 weeks of outpatient chemotherapy.

During this time, Allison — a professional photographer here in Lexington — came up with an idea to document their experiences: a photo archive of Ava's journey through treatment. Allison enlisted the help of fellow photographer and friend Cara Dee Cecil and their work began.

"I thought it would be a good way to step back from things," Allison said. "And create an archive of what happened for Ava to see when she's older."

The journey lasted longer than the Mays expected. After completing her outpatient chemotherapy, Ava experienced an immediate metastatic relapse, meaning the cancer had spread to her lungs. More surgery followed — a wedge resection on both lungs — followed by seven months of inpatient chemotherapy and radiation.

Allison and Cara's photo archive spans more than two years of Ava's progress, from the lows — Ava losing her hair and enduring chemotherapy in her hospital bed — to the highs — Ava taking her 'victory lap' around the floor of Kentucky Children's Hospital after she was declared cancer-free in May 2012.

To celebrate her one-year anniversary of beating cancer, Allison and Cara put together a special art exhibition featuring Ava's journey. "Ava Lucille: The Archive" will be unveiled from 7 to 10 p.m., Friday, May 31, at Bellini's Ballroom on 115 West Main St. The event will also feature live music and a silent auction. A suggested $10 donation will be accepted at the door, with proceeds benefiting Kentucky families affected by pediatric cancer. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Perry, (859) 323-2399 or allison.perry@uky.edu