When we first met Awty and her family, our hope was simple: to help make life a little more accessible and open the door to more possibilities.

With the incredible help of our community, Chive Charities was able to purchase Awty a wheelchair-accessible van that became so much more than just transportation. This van helped her family say “yes” to adventures and experiences that may not have otherwise been possible.

Over the years, Awty and her family traveled to the Aicardi Syndrome Family Conference twice, made the move from Illinois to Washington state, attended Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland, and created countless memories along the way. 

We are incredibly grateful to have played a small part in those adventures, and even more grateful to know that Awty’s impact will continue.

In her memory, Awty’s mom has established The Awty Fund, a nonprofit created to support families affected by Aicardi Syndrome. While there are resources available to help with medical bills and other expenses, The Awty Fund is focused on something equally important: supporting the family and caregivers, so they can be at their best while continuing to provide the best possible care for their child.

The fund will help Aicardi families find community, access resources, and receive support through every season of their journey with the goal of ensuring that no family has to walk this path alone.

Awty filled seven years with love, laughter, adventure, and a little bit of magic. Now, her family is carrying that spirit forward by creating a source of support for others walking a similar path.

While Awty’s journey ended too soon, her impact and legacy will live on with The Awty Fund. We’re honored to have played a small part in Awty’s story and so proud to see the impact of her life continue through this incredible work.