Avery Schllingers

From the moment I was pregnant with Avery, we were met with news no parent is ever prepared to hear. Doctors warned us that due to a severe kidney condition, his lungs wouldn’t properly develop and he likely wouldn’t survive the pregnancy—or make it long after birth. But on January 20, 2017, Avery defied the odds. His early years were a harrowing mix of intense medical battles, surgeries, and constant uncertainties—navigated alongside his loving big sister, Audrey—lightened only by the incredible miracle of his existence. At just two years old, we rushed to the hospital for a matched deceased donor, only to face devastating heartbreak when the kidney didn’t take right away. Though it eventually began functioning partially, Avery later developed PTLD—a rare post-transplant cancer—which further compromised the kidney. Yet, through every complication, procedure, and health challenge, this bright, blue-eyed boy proved to be overwhelmingly strong, resilient, and magical.

Avery has never let his diagnosis define him or slow him down, and with Audrey by his side cheering him on every step of the way, he tackles every obstacle head-on. Even while managing dialysis, he started in-person school in first grade and has thrived, exceeding expectations and staying ahead of his age group. Beyond his remarkable strength, Avery has turned his journey into a mission, becoming a passionate advocate for kidney health and childhood cancer awareness with his family right behind him. Whether organizing his own car show fundraisers, participating in Ronald McDonald House events and Kidney Foundation walks, or confidently educating his peers about his journey, he naturally steps into the role of a leader. Today, as we actively search for an O-positive living donor for his next transplant, we look at how far he has come and know without a doubt that Avery is destined for big, beautiful things.

Contact information to donate to Avery is- Contact Phoenix Children’s Hospital at 602-933-0965