Last week, Nhill’s own Ava returned home to a very special moment—ringing the bell to mark the end of her cancer treatment for the second time in four years. It was a hard-won milestone, celebrated with love and emotion at the Royal Children’s Hospital, where staff gathered to honour her incredible bravery.

Ava first rang the bell in January 2024, celebrating her remission. But just six months later, a tumour was discovered in her chest. Once again, Ava faced months of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and fertility preservation surgery, where an ovary was removed and frozen in the hope she might one day start a family of her own.

After over 40 rounds of chemotherapy, a high dose of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, an ovarian preservation surgery, a lobectomy, a thoracotomy, excision of lymph nodes, 20 rounds of radiation and so much more, Ava has finally got to ring the end of the treatment bell again.

Her mum, Chloe, shared a heartfelt tribute: “So, so proud of the amazing girl you are, baby. Your strength and resilience throughout all of this once again has been incredible, and I am in complete awe of you. Battling cancer for pretty well two years now, and that beautiful smile hasn’t left your face—you are the biggest inspiration to all of us.”

Chloe also extended her thanks to the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, expressing gratitude to the medical staff who made Ava’s journey a little lighter—from Ava’s oncologist and nurses to the social workers, receptionists, and the many others who were by their side.

“Thank you to every single person who has been a part of Ava’s journey. We are forever in your debt. A massive heartfelt thank you to our beautiful community of Nhill, for all the love, care and support we have received throughout this traumatic time once again. No words will ever be able describe just how thankful we are to everyone in our town. We wouldn’t have made it through without you.”

As Easter approaches, Nhill locals are reminded to support the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal—a cause that helps children just like Ava. The Nhill Lions Club will be collecting donations throughout April, and donation tins will be rattling all around town.

Let’s get behind this life-saving work and show our support for children and families facing some of the toughest battles.

This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 26 March 2025.