In the midst of a tragedy, two little girls suffering from cancer have built a strong friendship.
Ava Garcia, 4, and Penny Smith, 3, met when they were admitted into the children’s chemo ward and Texas Children’s Hospital and have been inseparable ever since. Ava, who suffers from cancer of the kidney, and Penny, who has a skeletal muscle cancer, have been through every together – including chemo.
“It was like a play-date. Even though she was getting chemo, she was getting poked, it was stressful,” said Penny’s mother, Cindy, “It was easy going [to the hospital] knowing she was having fun.”
“It just made her more comfortable. She wasn’t scared because she looked like her,” said Ava’s mother, Christina. Ava and Penny lost their hair together.
Since Penny’s health has deteriorated, Ava barely left her side.
“They are best friends through tragedy but they found each other and they’re going to hold on to each other for as long as possible,” said Cindy.
The parents had hoped the young girls could continue their friendship after their chemotherapy had ended, but the latest reports suggest Penny’s health is declining rapidly and she has since been moved to a hospice.
“Penny got to enjoy enjoy having a best friend. Ava got to enjoy that and Penny will forever be in our hearts and we will always remember her.”
The Weekly wishes Ava and Penny and their beautiful friendship all the best.
