Sweet Tribute: Ava’s lemonade stand fuels rare disease fight

By Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A young Paris girl is honouring her mother’s memory by raising funds and awareness for the rare illness that took her life earlier this year.

Seven-year-old Ava Mayhew will be setting up a lemonade stand at Sobeys Paris on Saturday, June 21 from 10 am to 2 pm in support of research and advocacy for Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA), including the rare variant aHUS. She is inviting the public to stop by and support the cause in honour of her late mother, Amy.

Amy van Konynenburg died on April 1, 2025, at age 39, after a series of medical battles beginning with breast cancer, followed by leukemia and ultimately complications from TMA. She had initially been declared cancer-free following successful treatment but was diagnosed with leukemia just four months later — a rare development in fewer than one per cent of breast cancer survivors. A subsequent stem cell transplant triggered aHUS, a severe form of TMA that led to internal bleeding, a stroke and kidney failure.

Amy is remembered by her parents, Kathy and Gerry van Konynenburg, as a devoted mother and a joy to her family.

“She was a kind-hearted soul with a love for music, concerts and sports. Amy had a love for the beach and camping and was never afraid to sleep in a tent,” shared Kathy. “She was very happy that she moved to Paris from Hamilton and loved the park at Pinehurst.”

Amy was also known for her strong work ethic and positive relationships with her colleagues.

Above all, her daughter Ava was her pride and joy.

Determined to keep her mother’s memory alive, Ava said she was inspired to take action in the months following her mother’s passing.

“I want to show everyone that I love my mom, and to raise money to make sure nobody else’s mom dies from TMA,” she said. “When I was about four, I liked the idea of having a lemonade stand but it didn’t happen then. I thought of it again after my mom died.”

Ava shared her idea with her grandmother, Kathy, who helped her take the next steps. Together, they approached Sobeys Paris owner Jackee Mills, who supported the initiative and offered space for the stand.

“Ava has been through so much in the last few months, and not only do I want myself and the community to support her — 'it takes a village'—  but she has handled the loss of her mother with such strength and compassion, I think we could all learn a lesson from her,” said Mills, who added, “It is our turn as the Paris Community now to really rally behind Ava to help her in achieve her goal, which is to raise money towards research and a cure for TMA, so that nobody else has to lose a loved one to this rare disease. Ava is such an AMAZING girl I couldn't possibly list all the reason to help her.”

Kathy confirmed the goal is to not only raise funds, but to build awareness about TMA and aHUS.

“When patients and caregivers learn about this rare disease, they can access info like fact sheets which have only started to become available in the last 10 years,” she said. “Fundraising helps research and access to experimental drugs, which may lead to Ava’s wish that ‘nobody else’s mom dies from TMA.’”

Several local businesses and individuals have stepped forward to support Ava’s initiative. Kat Smith donated the lemonade stand, Tim Hortons Paris is providing donuts, and La Trenza Tacos has supplied cups. Friends and family members have also offered to bake cookies to complement the lemonade.

Weather permitting, the lemonade stand will be set-up out front of the store right between the entrance and exit doors. Should the weather not cooperate, the lemonade stand will be inside right before you exist the store. 

Ava is hopeful for sunny skies but said she’s most excited about the chance to share stories about her mom.

“My mom had a big heart of gold. She and my dad (Ed Mayhew) looked after me and mom and I snuggled all the time,” said Ava. “She took me everywhere: Florida, swimming, petting zoos and fairs. We watched funny old shows together like Golden Girls.”

They’re memories she plans to carry with her always.