13 year old Avarie, who also likes to go by “Stinks,” is a spirited young man with a fun personality and a big heart. Like many boys his age, Avarie enjoys basketball and football, especially the 49ers. He also enjoys spending time with his siblings and older cousin.
In March of 2018, Avarie and his family sadly learned that he had been diagnosed with Acute Pre B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Despite this devastating news, Avarie has continued to stay optimistic and is even thinking of ways he can help other children and their families going through a similar experience. Avarie created his own t-shirt brand that he calls Worst Effective. The inspiration behind the brand name comes from his personal experience. Avarie feels he has taken a very negative situation and has turned it into something that can have a positive impact on other children and their families.
Two of our Family Navigators had the pleasure of meeting Avarie and his family while delivering our signature ‘Hope Chest’ to them at the hospital. It was immediately clear to our Family Navigators how strong and resilient Avarie and his family are. Although his circumstances are incredibly difficult, ‘Stinks’ remains positive and optimistic while keeping his humor and amazing personality.