Friends and family are hoping people in Vernon and beyond will show support for a 12-year-old local girl battling a rare medical condition.
Averi Morey was airlifted to BC Children鈥檚 Hospital with a severe condition known as Aplastic Anemia, according to a created by friends Jamie Carpenter and Heather Harney on behalf of Averi鈥檚 family.
Aplastic anemia is a rare and life-threatening condition that occurs when the body stops producing red blood cells, leaving people like Averi more prone to infections and uncontrolled bleeding.
COVID-19 has put a further strain on the Vernon family by preventing Averi from having contact with anyone outside her mom and dad, Jerica and Matt Armitage. It鈥檚 led to them having to leave their one-year-old daughter, Anica, at home in Vernon with her stepfather while they stay in Vancouver full time to care for Averi, who鈥檚 affectionately known as Aviator or Little Boo Boo.
The funds raised will be used to support the Armitage family, whose incomes have been significantly affected by the medical emergency. Funds will also go towards accommodations in Vancouver for Jerica and Averi鈥檚 medical expenses once she鈥檚 discharged from hospital.
鈥淭hough this is a treatable medical issue, they will be working on a treatment plan and waiting at least three months, if not more, to see if the plan is working,鈥� the GoFundMe campaign reads.
Though visits from friends and extended family aren鈥檛 possible given her compromised immune system and the pandemic, an outpouring of well wishes via call, text and social media have warmed the family鈥檚 hearts.
Averi鈥檚 close friend, Georgia Huack, is showing her support by staying home from school so she can be there to FaceTime with Averi while she settles into her new normal.
Troy Mick, a former neighbour to the Armitage family, describes young Averi as 鈥渁bsolutely amazing,鈥� and asked that Vernonites to help out the family in any way they can, as they always do.
鈥淚鈥檓 asking you to find in your heart to donate whatever you can as I know the Armitage family would appreciate it,鈥� Mick said. 鈥淟et鈥檚 step up Vernon as I know Vernonites are amazing and will always help one of their own.鈥�
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