SEATTLE - A Lynnwood high school softball player took the mound at Sunday's Mariners Game and won the hearts of many fans.
In January, doctors told 17-year-old Ashley Aven she had only two months to live. Last July, the Meadowdale High School Senior was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. Three chemotherapy treatments failed to stop the spread of the disease.
"She is a fighter," said Ashley's father, Bill. "She only had two months to go. And now you look at the date."
In February, Bill lost his job. To help with the families day-to-day expenses, friends sold rubber bracelets outside a Lynnwood QFC.
After hearing her story, former Mariner Jay Buhner took the Aven family under his wing. For Sunday's game, Buhner gave the Aven family two box suites. The teen brought 80 of her closest friends and family members.
Buhner connected with Aven because he has an 18-year-old daughter who plays softball and says friends of his have died of leukemia.
"It touches home with me," he said.
Last Wednesday, Buhner spent hours at Aven's hospital bedside as she received blood platelets.
" It is always good to see a smile on her face," he said.
"We keep the faith. Keep chugging. We keep praying for her," says Buhner.
On Sunday he warmed up with Aven before she took the mound. Under cloudy skies and bright stadium lights, Aven threw out the first pitch to Buhner.
"Amazing" is how Ashley described the experience. She left the field and immediately walked into her father's waiting arms. With tears in his eye, Bill could only express the pride he has for his daughter.
"Incredible. Words don't even put together what is going on," he said.
Ashley left the stadium with a standing ovation from complete strangers who now are fans of this brave teenager's fight against a deadly disease.
Anyone interested in helping the Aven family can donate to the Ashley K. Aven Foundation at any Wells Fargo Bank.
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