Regarded as the happiest child on the block, 18-month-old Ava Lopez was known to blow kisses at cars that passed by her home.But on the evening of April 23, the toddler with a contagious smile didn’t get a chance to blow a kiss at the alleged drunk driver who was operating the late model Mercedes that struck her, her mother and her 3-year-old sister and then fled the scene.Instead, the young girl found herself lying facedown in the grass, fighting for her life. Her mother and sister suffered minor injuries.Ava suffered head trauma and a pulmonary contusion from the crash. She remained in critical condition for over 2 weeks before being transferred to a local rehabilitation facility. Despite her steps toward recovery it is still too early to determine whether she will suffer any long-term neurological damage.For many people in the neighborhood the crash is a haunting memory, but the community rallied to show their support.
Pink ribbons were tied to signs, lampposts and trees throughout the gated neighborhood and pink All for Ava t-shirts were created and sold as a fundraiser. The All for Ava team raised over $7,500 for the San Antonio Walk Like MADD event held on May 16th, 2009.
Join All for Ava in Walking Like MADD and help MADD in the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving!
