Avery has a rare heart defect: hypoplastic left heart syndrome. And there is only one place with the technology and expertise to save her life:  Children's Hospital Boston.

She had her first surgery at one week old.  Her next one at 6 months. Then, 9 more, including a mechanical valve replacement.  Only 5 years old, her heart began to fail.

Avery needed a new heart.   For 52 days she struggled on the Berlin Heart, a mechanical heart, to gain strength for transplant surgery.  Her mom Cheryl is a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children's.  Cheryl and Avery's dad, Mike, knew if Avery received a new heart, another family was suffering the unthinkable loss of their own child.  This family was the Lawyer family who had unexpectedly lost their oldest son, Dalton. 

Dalton gave the ultimate gift to save Avery: his heart.

In the last year Avery's family met Dalton's family.  And since then, they have become close.  To honor Dalton and Avery's extraordinary connection, they have asked us to share their story with you below.  

In honor of Avery and Dalton, please give today and help save a child's life »

Every gift makes a difference.  Please give to save a child like Avery »

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