Ava’s Shuntversary
Today is Ava’s Shuntversary, also known as the day that Ava received the shunt that has kept her alive for seven years. She was born on June 4th, 2007. Her first cranial surgery was on June 15th, 2013. It was a cranial drain, and it failed. They sent us home. Within two hours, we were back in the hospital and scheduled for another cranial surgery. Again, it failed. On July 3rd, 2013, she had her cyst fenestration. It was the hardest night of my life. She grabbed my hand and put it on her heart and she wouldn’t let go for the entire night.
I watched the fireworks on July 4th from her hospital room with tears running down my cheeks. I didn’t know if she was going to live or die.
Weeks later, her cranial pressure was still high. We, as a family, pushed for a shunt device. Doctors warned us of the complications.
Justin and I researched it and talked to the doctors at length. We knew it was the only answer.
Today, we know now that we made the right decision. Ava is thriving as a thirteen-year-old. She is an incredible artist and loves to swim, read, golf and play guitar. If she would have lost her sight in those few precious moments of papilledema, we would have been devastated. We are so thankful for her medical team that listened to our pleads and respected our voice.
As of today, Ava celebrates her seventh year of being shunt-dependent. We are thankful for your continued support, love and prayers.
Much love,
Gina, Justin, Ava, Oskar, Lucy & Marshall (our new puppy!)
Learn more at www.rareundiagnosed.org
Contact information: Gina Szajnuk (Zanik)
Co-founder and Executive Director
E: ginaszajnuk@gmail.com
C: (310) 883-4353
To Read: “What is the hardest part of being undiagnosed?” by Gina Szajnuk
To Read: “Undiagnosed is a Diagnosis” by Ava and Gina Szajnuk
To Read: The Szajnuk Journey
