Supporting Avery's Surgery and Recovery
Goal:
 USD $40,000
Raised:
 USD $11,314
Campaign funds will be received by Elizabeth Selle
Supporting Avery's Surgery and Recovery
đź’– Help Sweet Avery Heal After Brain Tumor Surgery
What started as a routine eye check turned into every parent's worst nightmare.
Avery, a bright and joyful 3-year-old, recently began showing signs of her left eye crossing. Her parents, Lizzie and Chris, met with an ophthalmologist, and she was fitted for corrective lenses. By the grace of God, her pediatrician, Dr. Erica Attanasio, recommended an MRI at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago due to the sudden onset of the symptoms.
What was supposed to be a 30-minute scan turned into hours. Doctors found a brain tumor: Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. Their world flipped upside down in an instant.
Avery was immediately admitted to the hospital to await surgery. Just days later, on Monday, April 14, she underwent a complex brain surgery to remove the tumor. The incredible surgical team, consisting of Michael G. DeCuypere and Dr. Jillian Plonsker (Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellow), were able to remove it completely, and while they're still waiting on pathology results, initial signs suggest it may be benign. Praise God!
Now begins Avery’s journey of healing — and she’s already proving to be a fighter. Just a few days post-surgery, she was scooping ice cream on her own with her right hand. She's smiling, making friends with other kids and hospital staff, and showing a strength far beyond her years. But like any 3-year-old, she’s already over the "doctor stuff."
Avery still faces weeks of in-hospital recovery, physical therapy, and long-term monitoring. Lizzie and Chris have remained faithfully by her side, but this journey comes with significant financial burdens. We are asking for your help — whether through giving, sharing, or lifting them up in prayer.
Your generosity will help cover:
- Avery’s hospital stay, surgery, and post-op care
- Physical therapy and ongoing monitoring
- Lost income while her parents care for her full-time
- Ongoing emotional support and therapy for Avery and her parents as they continue to heal from the trauma of this journey
- And if there’s anything left over, it will go straight to Avery’s college fund — because we believe her future is just as bright as she is.
The Selle family will provide a breakdown of how donations are used — including expenses like hospital bills, meals, parking, hotel stays, and other essential costs during Avery’s recovery.
Thank you for reading, praying, sharing, and supporting this incredible little girl and her loving family.
Recent Donations
Thinking of you all often and praying for sweet Avery in her recovery! ❤️
Keeping Avery and your family in our prayersđź’•
Sending love and well wishes for Avery, Chris and Lizzie. đź’•
May God continue to heal beautiful Avery.
Thinking of you all!!
❤️
Thinking of you all and hoping for a quick recovery
Cannot imagine the highs and lows of this incredibly unexpected experience. Avery is blessed and prayers for a speedy recovery continue
Avery and her family are in our prayers
So in awe of your little girl’s brAVERY!
Praying for a swift recovery for little Avery.
God is good in every way possible!!!
God Bless❤️
Updates
Avery's Easter Update
April 21st, 2025
Praise the Lord! On Easter morning, we received the incredible news that Avery’s tumor was confirmed by pathology to be a benign JPA (Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma). On this day of hope and renewal, we couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful gift.
Avery also took a huge step—For the first time since surgery, she was able to walk with just a handhold instead of needing full support. We’re in awe of her determination and strength.
We’re currently awaiting a bed to open up at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, where Avery will begin an intensive inpatient rehabilitation program before we’re able to return home.
This Easter was filled with unexpected joy thanks to Lurie Children’s Hospital, who went above and beyond to create a beautiful Easter celebration for kids spending the holiday in the hospital. Avery woke up to a delivered Easter basket, enjoyed arts and crafts, and got to meet the Easter Bunny himself. She managed to collect not one but five mini bunny stuffies from the party—and by evening had gathered them all into “circle time” to teach them their ABCs.
Chris also helped bring some Easter magic by hiding 3 dozen toy-filled eggs for an egg hunt across our hospital floor. It was such a fun moment for the kids and meant so much to feel the joy and community on such a special day.
Chris’s parents just returned to New York, and Lizzie’s parents came to be with us for Easter—one will be staying this week to offer extra support.
While Avery continues to feel the exhaustion and frustration of holding back from all she wants to do, her spark is shining through. In another surprising and encouraging development, her eye has not turned/crossed even once since the surgery—a little medical mystery we’re so thankful for.
Mom and Dad are hanging in there. Chris stays overnight at the hospital with Avery, while Lizzie rests nearby at a hotel to manage her migraines.
We continue to be deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and support during this journey.
Prayer Requests
Click the Pray button to let the campaign owner know you are praying for them.
- Pray for Avery’s full healing, for strength in her body, peace in her spirit, and a smooth recovery.
- Pray for Lizzie and Chris, for peace, strength, and God’s presence as they care for Avery.
- Pray that Avery’s tumor is confirmed benign and that no further treatment will be needed.