For Scott and Natalie Bolton, life over the holidays was meant to be filled with joy and family moments. But when their three-year-old daughter, Ava, began showing unusual symptoms — lethargy, paleness, and frequent vomiting — they knew something was wrong. At first, they assumed she had a simple virus. Yet, as her condition worsened with leg pain and bruises around her eyes, the couple realized that this was no ordinary illness.

Immediately, the Boltons rushed Ava to their pediatrician, who recommended they go to the hospital. Initial tests suggested a minor infection, but doctors were surprised by the severity of her symptoms. A closer examination, including a bone marrow sample and a CT scan, revealed devastating news: Ava had Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. The diagnosis felt like a crushing blow. “To find out our little girl had cancer was just devastating. Our whole world collapsed,” Scott said.

Neuroblastoma arises from immature nerve tissue, often caused by a genetic mutation. In Ava’s case, tumors were discovered not only on her back but also spreading to her shin, hip, pelvis, and shoulder. For children in the high-risk category, the five-year survival rate hovers around 50%, making the prognosis uncertain and terrifying for her family. “Initially, you are thinking it is okay, it’s just a virus. It will go away by itself,” Scott said. “To then be told she has cancer is nothing we could have ever imagined.”

Ava’s journey through treatment has been grueling. She has endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, facing the physical and emotional toll of side effects, scans, and constant medical interventions. Her parents have watched their tiny daughter fight through each session with extraordinary bravery. “She has amazed us all with her resilience, keeping her cheeky smile and making us so proud of how she is coping throughout it all,” the family shared on their GoFundMe page.

The little girl has completed six rounds of chemotherapy so far, but the treatment plan extends over 18 months and will soon enter an even more demanding phase. Ava will undergo higher-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, leaving her temporarily without an immune system. Her parents brace themselves for the potential isolation and vulnerability that comes with this stage, as even minor infections could become life-threatening. Despite improving scans, Scott and Natalie live with the constant fear of relapse, knowing the cancer could return at any moment.

The Boltons are determined to explore every available option to protect their daughter. They are raising funds to participate in a vaccine trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, a pioneering treatment aimed at preventing neuroblastoma from returning. “Without this treatment, Ava is more likely to relapse, reducing her chances of survival — this is something we are not willing to take a chance on,” Natalie explained.

Alongside Ava’s fight, the family is also caring for their five-year-old son, Lucas, balancing the challenges of everyday life with the extraordinary demands of a child battling cancer. Their community has rallied behind them, hosting fundraisers and sending messages of hope. As of now, their GoFundMe has raised approximately $172,000, with a goal of over $320,000 to cover the experimental treatment and related costs.

For Scott and Natalie, every small victory counts. Each smile, each day of stability, and each bit of energy Ava regains is a triumph in their eyes. They remain committed to giving her every opportunity to survive, thrive, and reclaim the childhood stolen by illness. The family’s story is one of courage, hope, and relentless advocacy — a reminder that even in the darkest times, determination and love can light the way.

Despite the hardships, Ava continues to be a beacon of strength. Her cheeky demeanor, her courage during chemotherapy, and her willingness to smile through pain inspire everyone who meets her or follows her journey. The Boltons hope that by sharing Ava’s story, other families will gain awareness of childhood cancers and the importance of early, aggressive treatment.

As they prepare for the next phase of Ava’s treatment, the Boltons’ resolve is unwavering. They refuse to let fear dictate their actions, focusing instead on giving their daughter every chance at life. Every donation, every prayer, and every word of support strengthens their fight and their hope that Ava’s resilience will carry her through this battle.

Ava’s journey is far from over, but her story is already one of courage, love, and inspiration — a powerful testament to the strength of a little girl and her family, determined to face the unthinkable together.