Today we’d like to introduce you to Avila Gachalian.
Avila, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Avila. I am 12 years old. I am a cancer survivor. My journey started in July 2019 when I was diagnosed with Leukemia. I was seven years old. The days leading up to the diagnosis, I slowly became weak and pale. My parents took me to the emergency room of the local hospital. After several needle pokes, we were then rushed by ambulance to Rady Children’s Hospital, where I was given the official cancer diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I spent almost an entire month at the hospital – getting more tests, receiving blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and a had a surgery to place my port-o-catch. My parents also had a lot to juggle with work schedules, my sibling schedules, and in learning the whole new role of caregiver to a child with cancer. I was getting very homesick and missed my siblings. I was finally able to go home, but my hospital schedule did not slow down. I was given a two-year treatment plan. It was intense. I was there multiple times a week for chemotherapy. I even had several unplanned hospital stays due to fevers, colds, low blood counts, and a kidney issue. As the two-year mark approached, I was excited to be done with treatment. With only five appointments left, I received the devastating news that they found cancer cells in my spinal fluid. What many people don’t know is that leukemia is a blood cancer, and sometimes it likes to “hide” in the spinal fluid. Blood is drawn and tested at every hospital visit, and at that time, I was getting monthly spinal fluid draws (along with chemo treatment there as well).
So, in June 2021, the “reset button” was hit; I had to start all over with a new two-year treatment plan. This treatment plan would be even more intense – I would need both chemotherapy and radiation. One of the hardest and scariest times was when I had a chemo side effect called Mucositis. I had sores and swelling in my mouth and throat. I couldn’t eat or talk. I spent a full week in the hospital- it was the week of Christmas. My cancer & chemotherapy treatments finally came to an end after four years – on December 5th, 2023, I finally rang the bell (ringing the bell signals an end to chemotherapy treatments).
Despite the rough and low moments of cancer treatments, there were some amazing moments. I found that music was a source of peace and healing for me. I love to sing, and I wrote a song about overcoming fear. I was gifted a home recording studio through Make-A-Wish. I also had some really cool musical experiences: I sang the national anthem for a local football team; I sang with the Sully Band; I met Robin Thicke and watched the Masked Singer show live; I met & sang with Jason Mraz!
More importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with several organizations, being a voice for those on a similar journey as me. I worked with San Diego Blood Bank, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Legoland’s Merlin’s Magic Wand, and Make-A-Wish San Diego. I now get to share my music to help raise awareness of childhood cancer and to help support the efforts of these organizations.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a cancer survivor. I am a musician. This year has been great— I’ve been singing and playing music with my siblings. They are pretty great musicians, and we have a band (Gachalian Band). We are looking forward to sharing our music and writing more music.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Interested in having Avila speak or sing for your event? You can send an inquiry via email: avilavsleukemia@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avila_vs_leukemia
