Meet Ava and Olivia—identical twins who share a special bond, but lead unique lives. Despite being Mody twins, sharing one placenta but with their own amniotic sacs, their early years presented a challenge neither they nor their parents, Angela and Michael, could have anticipated.
At just six months old, Ava began physical therapy, and by age two, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. For Angela and Michael, this began a journey that included countless appointments and moments filled with uncertainty. Despite the challenges, Ava’s spirit shone brightly. Her determination and her ever-present smile during therapy became a source of strength for her family.
Facing the Challenges of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
The twins’ story started even before their birth, with a condition known as Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). In cases like theirs, blood flow between the twins becomes unbalanced, putting both at risk—one receives too much blood, while the other receives too little. This condition meant constant monitoring and a multitude of medical appointments as Angela and Michael fought to reach the critical 28-week mark in the pregnancy.
When the time finally came, Ava and Olivia were born and taken straight to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). For nearly a week, Angela and Michael could only spend limited time with their daughters during what the hospital called “touch times,” precious moments when they could briefly hold their newborns. It was a daunting experience that tested their resolve, but as Angela said, “You don’t know what you can do until you have to do it, and you just have to do it.”
Ava’s Unyielding Spirit and a New Opportunity
Today, Ava continues to face her challenges head-on. At school and home, she relies on a gait trainer to walk—a device that requires significant effort to operate, as she has to lean forward to maintain movement. Yet, Angela proudly shares that Ava embraces every task with her characteristic positivity.
But a new opportunity has brought a glimmer of hope. Ava recently had the chance to try out a groundbreaking device developed by Trexo Robotics—an innovative piece of technology that resembles a real-life Iron Man suit for kids. Designed to help children with conditions like cerebral palsy, this robotic device supports their mobility and allows them to walk with greater ease and better posture.
For Ava, the experience was nothing short of magical. Seeing her walk upright with the aid of the robotic legs was a moment that left everyone in awe. Angela recalls Ava’s words with a smile: “Is this real? Is this really happening?” The joy in Ava’s expression was undeniable, as she navigated the studio with newfound freedom.
Trexo Robotics’ mission to redefine mobility for all began with the personal story of a co-founder whose nephew was born with cerebral palsy. From there, the company worked tirelessly through countless prototypes and challenges to create a device that has already transformed the lives of many children. As they say, “We’re not building a robot—we are building a magic that is only experienced if you see your child take their first steps.”
For families like Ava’s, the support of the community can make all the difference. Trexo Robotics has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Ava acquire her very own Trexo device. With this new technology, Ava’s journey could take a significant leap forward, offering her greater independence and the ability to move through life with a little more ease.
A Magical Moment with Enchanted Fairies
In partnership with Kids Kids, an organization dedicated to bringing joy to children with life-altering conditions, Enchanted Fairies wanted to do something special for Ava and Olivia. They invited the family to one of their Texas studios for a fairytale portrait session—a chance to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
During the session, Angela reflected on the journey they’ve been through. “Things are going to look a little different than maybe you thought,” she shared. “But that’s okay. Not everybody’s life is the same, not everybody’s story looks the same. And it’s okay if it’s a little different than you thought.”
Angela’s message is one of resilience and love—a reminder that as parents, their role is to make the world as wonderful as possible for their children, no matter the challenges. Ava and Olivia’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope.
Join Us in Supporting Ava’s Journey
We are honored to share Ava and Olivia’s story and to have had the opportunity to add a bit of magic to their lives through our portrait session. If you’d like to help Ava in her quest for greater mobility, you can contribute to her GoFundMe campaign. Every bit of support brings her closer to making her dream of walking with the Trexo device a reality.
At Enchanted Fairies, we celebrate the uniqueness of every child’s journey and the strength that comes from embracing the challenges along the way. Ava’s story reminds us all that while some paths may look different, they can be just as beautiful, especially when filled with love, resilience, and a touch of magic.
Stay Magical,
Aileen Avikova, Founder
