Memorial Service Held for Ava Hunter
LONGWOOD, Fla. -- Family and friends gathered at Northland Church on Thursday to remember Ava Hunter.
Hunter, 5, lost her battle with brain cancer over the weekend. She was the granddaughter of Dr. Joel Hunter, the church's senior pastor, and the daughter of Hunter's oldest son, Josh Hunter.
Ava was diagnosed in late June with a rare form of brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme. She underwent several surgeries and hospitalizations.
Her doctors said the type of cancer she had doesn't respond well to chemotherapy or radiation.
It's estimated thousands of people all over the world had been following a blog written by Josh Hunter that chronicled Ava's progress, as well as his experiences and struggles as the parent of a terminally ill child.
Joel Hunter leads a congregation of 12,000 at Northland and serves on an advisory council to President Barack Obama.
