Meet 13-year-old Avery Sax of Moorpark, California, who has a large inoperable mass in her brain with over 100 active aneurysms. The doctors told her three years ago that she had a 50% chance of living one more year, and no chance of making it to the three year point she has now passed.
Avery’s grueling treatment included ten rounds of brain radiation, as she describes: “You’re fitted with a skin-tight mask and left alone in a room for 30 minutes with your head locked down in place with screws and drills.”
Nevertheless, says Avery, “I give my mom a thumbs up and I don’t think twice about holding up the radiation department’s tight schedule so that I can say the Shema before each session. And you know what? The radiation tech said I was the first person he ever saw praying. I wouldn’t be surprised if I was the first person who smiled and hugged the doctors and radiation staff every day of treatment too! It feels good to feel good. And it feels good to believe!”
Avery is an active member of Chabad of Moorpark, California, led by Rabbi Shimy and Mrs. Devorah Leah Heidingsfeld. She shares her inspiring story in the upcoming Tammuz issue of the N’shei Chabad Newsletter. After she spoke at Chabad of Moorpark’s annual “Spa for the Soul” event earlier this year, dozens of women were inspired to take on new mitzvos in her honor.
Mrs. Heidingsfeld relates, “Andi and her daughter McKenzie [age 13] were at the event and were thinking about which mitzvah to take on. They considered Shabbos candles, but realized that their Friday schedule was completely packed until 7 p.m., with lots of after-school activities. It would be too hard to commit to lighting candles on time every Friday evening.
“Then they heard Avery’s powerful talk. They heard about how Shabbos warms her up and brings her peace and all the other beautiful things she said.
“Well, not only did they commit to lighting Shabbos candles every week, they also decided to do the full Shabbos dinner every single week. They rescheduled all their activities for different days of the week so they could be home at 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. Together they prepare all the traditional Shabbos foods and turn off phones and TVs.
“Andi shared this with me one night as we were making challah together in honor of her commitment.
“This is just one of Avery’s many accomplishments. I feel humbled and privileged to be considered a friend by Avery and Kimber Sax.”
Unfortunately, Avery’s illness has left the Sax family financially devastated. Because of Avery’s needs, her mother has not been able to work consistently for the past three years, and is also struggling with health challenges of her own. They lost their home and are now living with family members in San Diego. They need help to cover basic expenses, insurance and transportation. Avery’s dream is to move back “home” to Chabad of Moorpark.
Chabad is Avery’s family. We ask the worldwide Chabad community to please contribute to “The brAvery Fund” via the Chabad of Moorpark website, www.JewishMoorpark.com/donate. Please specify “Avery” in the details box. To read more about Avery, visit www.BrAveryNow.Org
רפואה שלימה
keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! woman.
You’re awesome! Keep up the amazing work! 🙂
I feel humbled reading about the strength of one so young. She is an inspiration.
May the זכות of צדקה be מציל and may she have רפואה שלימה בקרוב.
What is her name so we can say tehillim for her?
An incredibly sweet & mature teenage girl! May she have a refuah sheleima now!!
thank you Chaya Shuchat of the N’shei Chabad Newsletter staff for writing this
may Hashem reward your efforts immediately
or better yet may He make it all unnecessary with a refuah sheleimah ukrovah!
Unbelievable!
1. Can you get this on other, non-chabad websites and/or facebook? Such an important cause
2. What about RCCS, don’t they help specifically with this?
Her name is rivkah Rochel bas fruma tzveibel
You can donate through our website http://www.Jewish Moorpark.com/donate. Specify that it is for Avery.
Besuros tovos for everyone!
Donations can be made through Chabad of Moorpark’s website. Specify “Avery” in the details box. http://Www.jewishmoorpark.com/donate.
I met this girl three years ago while working in a camp nearby…such a special girl with such a positive outlook on life
Please visit http://www.jewishmoorpark.com click on “Donate” and be sure to note “Avery Sax” or “The brAvery Fund” for the Description. This is an account solely for Avery. If mailing a check, please pay to the order of: “Chabad/The brAvery Fund” and mail to
Chabad of Moorpark
11958 Honeybrook
Moorpark, CA 93021
WHERE CAN WE SEND SOME MONEY TO HELP HER PARENTS
how can we help donate? i looked on the link and i dont see a donate tab
you are a true fighter and we all all so proud i am davening for your home to be your again and for you to be fee of this illness we all love you
#lovesouthafrica
BS”D
a little Tzadakis in disguise
may we dance at her Chasina and may
she dance at her children’s and grandchildren Chasinas
in good health
As the Rebbe said no Dr. has the power to give such dire prognosis
I know the family and the need is very great. Please give generously! It will be a huge kiddush hashem.
This kind of situation puts life’s annoyances into proper perspective for us, doesn’t it? Refuah shlaimah, Avery.You are a real dugma chaya for the rest of us.We pray you become one of Hashem’s inexplicable medical miracles and experience a COMPLETE recovery quickly. P.S. What kind of craziness is the medical system we live under if a family is punished for working hard and owning a house only to have it taken away to pay medical bills? Why was no Medicaid type coverage automatically issued to this child when her parents exhausted the means to pay for her medical treatment without… Read more »
wishing Avery a complete Refuah Shlaima & ONLY Besuros Tovos!
PS what is her full Hebrew name & mother’s?
PPS Mirel, it’s so Gr-8 2 c ya!!!!