Every time Ava, 12, bids farewell to family and friends she says ‘love’ instead of goodbye. As someone who underwent 10 brain surgeries, a major stroke, epilepsy and cerebral palsy as a young child, it’s important to Ava for ‘love’ to always be remembered as her last word.

This positive attitude, coupled with a passion to support children, like her, treated at The Hospital for Sick Children, is why she was selected as the 2011-12 SickKids Champion presented by Walmart.

SickKids celebrated the beginning of Ava’s term as Champion last week. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge 14-year-old cancer survivor Madison’s efforts as last year’s Champion.

And what better way to celebrate than with cupcakes!

The girls joined some professional pastry chefs for a cupcake decorating workshop. Best known for her chocolate chip cookies, Ava looks forward to now adding cupcakes to the array of baked goods she sells at her brother’s sporting events. She donates the money raised to her Ava Rose Fund at SickKids.

Champions presented by Walmart is a Children’s Miracle Network initiative that honours children from Canada and the United States who have triumphed despite facing severe medical challenges. Ava will represent SickKids when she travels with other Champion children to Ottawa and Orlando, Florida, as part of the Champion program.

Thank you to Madison for all her accomplishments this year and good luck to Ava on her journey ahead!