In a heart-wrenching announcement, Broadway actor Mateo Gonzalez and his wife, Laura, shared the devastating news of the passing of their three-year-old daughter, Ava, who fought bravely against a rare and severe form of epilepsy. In a poignant tweet, Laura expressed the profound grief their family is experiencing, stating, “Our hearts are shattered. The machines have been turned off, and her bed feels so empty. The silence is overwhelming.” She went on to share that Ava left this world on a quiet Saturday, peacefully cradled in her mother’s arms, surrounded by love. “Finally free from pain and seizures, she has left us with broken hearts. We love you endlessly, little Ava.“
Ava was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just seven months old, a journey the family openly documented on Laura’s blog. Since then, the Gonzalez family has actively advocated for epilepsy research, raising both awareness and funds for the nonprofit organization, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy. Their efforts have been particularly focused in the Chicago area, where Mateo has portrayed the iconic role of Alexander Hamilton in the acclaimed musical since its debut in 2016.
Laura wrote on her blog that Ava suffered from a neurodegenerative form of epilepsy that was gradually impairing her brain function. Reflecting on the hardships, she noted how Ava was losing basic abilities, such as thumb-sucking, leading them to make the heart-wrenching decision to transition to hospice care, prioritizing Ava’s comfort over seeking further treatments. “Our worst fears, the word that has haunted us since the beginning, has come true,” she expressed in an emotional blog post about starting hospice care. “Watching her drift further away month after month has been unbearable.“
Following the announcement of Ava’s passing, Mateo took to social media to thank their supporters for the outpouring of love and encouragement during this difficult time. In her heartfelt message to Ava, Laura vowed to continue advocating for others facing similar challenges, promising, “Your fight will not be forgotten, my angel. We will carry your legacy forward and plant the seeds of your spirit in the hearts of many.“
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In summary, Mateo Gonzalez and Laura’s heartbreaking loss serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by families dealing with severe medical conditions. Their commitment to raising awareness for epilepsy ensures that Ava’s legacy will continue to inspire others.