2016 Speak Now For Kids Family Advocacy Day Hero: Avery

Avery Wilson would not be alive today if it was not for the care he received at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

When Avery was four years old he suffered a stroke as a result of an undiagnosed rare genetic disorder known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) which is characterized by abnormal blood vessels throughout the body. Avery spent eight days in critical care experiencing seizures. His entire right side was paralyzed, he drooled profusely, and could not speak correctly. The doctors told Avery’s parents their little boy would not recover for months, maybe even years. Jessica and Wayne were devastated and cried and felt sorry for themselves for days; however, they knew that they had to push Avery to fight. Ten days after Avery’s stroke he defied the odds and walked into school.

Avery’s neurosurgeon conducted an MRI and did not see any further arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) which caused the stroke, but referred him to Dr. Burrows at Children’s because of her national expertise in diagnosis and treating vascular malformations. Dr. Burrows evaluated Avery and identified at least three more AVMs in his lung and brain. To date, Avery has undergone a scope procedure at Children’s to have an AVM in his lung treated and will undergo surgery this year to explore the AVMs in his brain. He will continue to receive care at Children’s to treat his condition.

Avery is an energetic five-year old who enjoys running, racing, and wants to be a fireman or policeman when he grows up. Avery will struggle the rest of his life because of his condition, but he is a fighter and nothing will slow him down.

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Lori Giles commented 2016-06-19 14:52:01 -0400 · Flag

Our little Avery we are so proud of you you are such a big boy with all the challenges that you had to go through you just take them like a trooper we love you so much. I know you will continue to do great, you have the greatest mom and dad to help you though. Aunt Lori loves you to pieces.

Amber Brooke commented 2016-06-15 23:15:37 -0400 · Flag

Big Sissy, Pat, Derek, and Kota Bear love you Avery! Keep fighting little man! We will all get through this together! You are a born fighter!

Melissa Leaders commented 2016-06-15 20:33:47 -0400 · Flag

Praying for all of you and proud of all of you for spreading the word and helping people become aware of HHT and other similar conditions that are far too often overlooked. I am so proud to call you all “friends” even though you are more like family in my heart. I love you guys!

Tammy Heiney commented 2016-06-15 14:51:45 -0400 · Flag

I could not be any more proud of my little nephew Avery even though he has his struggles he’s still a very happy little boy I also would like to say how proud I am of my brother Wayne and my sissy Jessica I love all three of you very very much and God bless all of us

Patricia Hopson commented 2016-06-15 12:46:37 -0400 · Flag

And Dr. Burrows…also those that cared for Avery and will do so with future procedures…etc…thank u very very much…with hht being rare but some of the symptoms being common and or similar to other diseases…condition it’s amazing and I am grateful for your knowledge and experience and your role in averys survival and continued thriving ….Avery…Jessica and Wayne and his family are bleseed…thank you!

Patricia Hopson commented 2016-06-15 11:32:22 -0400 · Flag

Avery …as is his mom Jessica…and dad Wayne..and entire family are amazing…go Avery!