A Splash of Purple, A Spark of Hope: TRCF Scholars Collaborate on New Children's Book
Hope has a powerful way of turning our hardest moments into something beautiful. TRCF scholars Avery Gray and Madilyn Abor proved exactly that when they teamed up to create Ava Ray & the Purple Toenails.
Written by Avery based on her own childhood battle with cancer, and brought to visual life through Madilyn’s playful artwork, this collaborative children’s book turns real-life resilience into a comforting beacon of joy for families facing tough times.
A True Story Born From Avery's Own Journey
This isn't just a fictional story. Ava Ray & the Purple Toenails is directly based on Avery's own real-life experience as a young girl diagnosed with a serious childhood illness. Having walked that path herself, Avery wrote the book to share how she and her family navigated those difficult medical challenges with courage and positivity.
Facing illness as a child can feel overwhelming and scary, but Avery's gentle, whimsical narrative approaches the experience with warmth and reassurance. It reminds readers that even in the middle of hospital visits or hard days, there’s always room for a little ordinary joy, like painting your toenails a bright, playful shade of purple.
Madilyn’s artwork gives Avery's story visual life. Her vibrant, charming illustrations bring Ava's world into colorful focus on every page, creating an inviting and comforting atmosphere for young readers and parents alike.
One Purchase, Two Readers: Doubling the Impact
What makes this collaborative project so special is the heart and purpose behind it. Drawing from Avery's personal background as a young patient, Avery and Madilyn wanted to make sure the book reached children currently facing similar battles. This led to their "One purchase... Two readers..." initiative.
When you buy a copy of the book, a second copy is automatically donated on your behalf to a child facing a serious illness. It’s a simple, beautiful mission that allows readers to send a warm hug, a bit of comfort, and a smile directly to a young patient in treatment!
A Gentle Hug on the Hard Days
Avery’s story speaks directly to the courage of brave young readers and their families from someone who truly understands what it's like. Meanwhile, Madilyn’s cheerful art complements the narrative with warmth and personality. Together, author and illustrator have created something deeply meaningful for cozy reading nooks, pediatric waiting rooms, or classrooms learning about empathy and courage.
How to Support the Book
Whether you’re looking for a sweet story for a child in your life or want to join their mission to comfort young patients going through a tough diagnosis, here’s how you can get involved:
Visit the Official Site: Learn more about Avery's story, the book, and the creators on the Adventures with Ava Ray Website.
Grab a Copy on Amazon: Pick up a paperback copy written by Avery Gray and illustrated by Madilyn Abor on Amazon, and know that your purchase puts a second copy straight into the hands of a child who needs an extra reason to smile.
A huge congratulations to Avery and Madilyn on officially becoming published authors! Everyone at TRCF is immensely proud to support such resilient, creative, and compassionate scholars. Watching them transform a personal journey into a published work that brings comfort and joy to children facing serious illness is deeply inspiring.
We are honored to stand behind Avery and Madilyn, and we cannot wait to see all the incredible ways they will continue to make a difference in the world. Pick up a copy today and help spread a little extra hope!
