Ava Grace Branstetter graced this world with her presence on July 10, 2009, filling it with boundless kindness, beauty, and a wonderfully silly spirit. A resident of Ascension Parish, Ava was a sweet, smart, thoughtful, and determined six-year-old who also shared the special bond of being a twin. She possessed a naturally generous heart, always willing to give away her smallest possessions to anyone she saw in need. Ava loved to make people smile, and her radiant personality brought pure joy to her family and everyone who knew her.

Tragically, on May 29, 2016—just one day after celebrating her Kindergarten graduation—Ava was fatally injured in a car accident. The pain of losing such a vibrant, precious little girl was the worst suffering her family had ever faced. Yet, even in the depths of their sudden grief, her family knew exactly how to honor her beautiful soul. Because Ava spent her life giving to others, it made perfect sense that she would bestow the ultimate gift—the gift of life.

Through the selfless act of organ donation, Ava’s family chose to transform the unimaginable tragedy of her death into something positive, ensuring her passing would not be in vain. Ava went on to save the lives of four women and children, providing hope and a future to four complete strangers. For her mother, knowing that Ava brought life to others and inspired so many people to support organ donation has brought a deep sense of peace to her heart. It is a legacy that has given her family the strength from God to face each day.

Ava's beautiful legacy continues to shine brightly and teach others. To honor her memory and help explain the miracle of organ donation to children, LOPA published a book titled Ava’s Wish. Her family remains incredibly proud and honored to share her story, holding onto the hope that Ava’s life and legacy will continue to raise awareness, touch hearts, and save lives for generations to come.