Beating Cancer Twice in Two Years – Ava’s Story
Ava Stephens, a 5-year-old from Nhill, has recently entered remission after two years of fighting cancer – beating Wilms Tumour (a form of kidney cancer most common in children under 5) not once, but twice.
Diagnosed in 2023, Ava’s doctors at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne discovered multiple tumours on her left kidney. The entire kidney, along with 22 enlarged lymph nodes, had to be removed, and Ava endured 23 rounds of chemotherapy.
Her first recovery was nothing short of remarkable. Within 24 hours of surgery, Ava was walking the hospital halls, leaving nurses and her family amazed. She was discharged just a week later. Sadly, her remission lasted only six months before the Stephens family found themselves back in hospital facing a relapse.
This time, Ava underwent a bone marrow transplant and battled HMPV, a serious respiratory virus. Her condition became so severe that doctors prepared for her possible transfer to the ICU. But Ava fought through, supported by antibiotics, pain relief, and unwavering resilience. Day by day, she defied the odds and began to heal.
Most recently, Ava celebrated a huge milestone – ringing the Royal Children’s Hospital bell for the second time to mark the end of her cancer treatment.
Her mum Chloe reflects: “It’s been the toughest two years we ever could’ve expected, but Ava has been everyone’s strength with how resilient she has been throughout it.”
Now dreaming of becoming a doctor herself, Ava continues to inspire all who meet her.
We were excited to meet Ava’s family in Nhill during the 2025 QLD Variety Bash and present them with brand new bikes and other surprises to enjoy.
Now, we have received this beautiful photo of Ava and these words from Chloe:
“I just want to say a big heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for doing what you do. The kids were absolutely over the moon looking out the window and seeing brand new bikes, then going into their rooms and finding a big box with their names on it. They ripped into them like no tomorrow!
“Ava has been through so, so much the last two years, so to have charities out there like this that recognise that and go above and beyond to bring some happiness back into the lives of children like Ava – it just means so much. Coming from the parent of a sick child, that smile on her face means everything and more to me – and boy did she have a big one thanks to you guys. So, thank you. So, so much.”
We know how illness can put everyday life on hold. For families like the Stephens, we hope this small gesture – made possible thanks to Variety’s family of fundraisers – helps ease the transition back to joyful, everyday moments.
