Avery Linn Handrow

Avery Linn Handrow

Born to life on September 24, 2016, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Avery went to Heaven after a courageous battle with cancer on June 6, 2019. She was the dear and loving daughter of Elizabeth (nee Geittmann) and Justin Handrow and the cherished sister of Olivia and Owen, her twin brother. Avery is further survived by her adoring grandparents, John and June Handrow and Peter and Pat Geittmann, and great-grandparents Bob and Dolores Paris in addition to her special aunts and uncles, Michael (Dana) Handrow, John (Melissa) Geittmann, Brian (Jami) Geittmann, Paul (Rachel) Geittmann and Amy (John) Anderson. Avery also is survived by many cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles, other relatives and many friends who will remember her the remainder of their lives.

Visitation will be held for Avery on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, from 2:00pm until the time of Mass at 5:00pm, all at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington Street, Grafton, Wisconsin. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery in Grafton, Wisconsin.

Justin and Elizabeth would like to personally thank the Solid Tumor Team of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Dr. Mehgen Browning, Kari Zimbric, NP, Renee, Kelly, and Kelly and the nursing staff, and all the staff members provided nothing but the best treatment for Avery. We would also like to recognize the Day Hospital staff and and the inpatient team who touched our hearts. Laurie Good, palliative care NP, was excellent in keeping Avery comfortable. Additionally, special thank you to Dr. Valerie Flanary and her team for quickly diagnosing Avery. Yvonne, a case manager with Network Health, was a life saver answering our numerous questions and ensuring Avery received the best care.

Thank you to our employers (Department of Corrections and Aurora Medical Center in Grafton). Justin and I were never put in a place where we had to chose between caring for our daughter and working. Knowing we had that support, made the unbearable times slightly more bearable. We are blessed to have the support and compassion from our employers.

Thank you to all the charities and childhood cancer organizations that supported all of our family members. The care packages, gift cards, room makovers, family trips, and so much more were appreciated and will be forever in our hearts.

Thank you to al the police and fire departments who hosted our family, came to our home, or sent patches and letters of support. The smiles on our children's faces were priceless.

Lastly, please consider supporting research for childhood cancer. No parents should have to say goodbye to their child at any age. Childhood cancer is underfunded and many of the medications Avery received were developed decades ago. Our babies deserve better.

In  lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Olivia and Owen's college fund; or "Kisses From Keegan and Friends" at www.kissesfromkeegan.org; or "Gamerosity of Wisconsin" at www/gamerosity.com. 

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