Dying mum's perfect gift for Mother's Day
A brave Melbourne mother who refused cancer treatment to protect her unborn baby, will this weekend spend her first Mother's Day with her precious daughter.
Michelle Buchholtz, who has terminal cancer, hoped to live long enough to take little Ava home - and four months later she is cherishing every moment.
The 38-year-old's story touched hearts across the nation when Ava was born three months prematurely in November of last year.
Doctors feared Michelle's cancer-ridden body would not survive a full-term pregnancy.
Precious Ava was delivered by caesarian section at the Royal Women's Hospital, weighing a tiny 1053 grams.
Still healing from neck fractures caused by rapidly developing tumours, Michelle manages to bounce the six-month-old baby on her lap.
Now after 11 rounds of chemotherapy, the cancer in her spine and hip are under control.
"It's maintained in my bones and hasn't gone to my organs so yes my oncologist and I are all very happy," she told Seven News health reporter Karen O'Sullivan .
Michelle's fiance, Alex Ansalone, says having Ava is a labour of love, but the cancer treatment has been difficult for Michelle.
"Michelle's been quite ill with her chemotherapy treatments," he said. "She had radiation before that, so she's had a pretty tough time."
Last Mother's Day, Michelle was pregnant with Ava.
"Next Mother's Day I don't know what will be, so I'm definitely trying to make the most of it and embrace being a mum finally," she said.
While there is no cure for Michelle's illness, Alex launched an online fundraising campaign for various other treatments in a bid to prolong her life and the precious time she has with Ava.
The public opened their hearts to the couple, raising more than 200,000, and the money is still coming in.
"A lovely lady named Dawn, we wish we know who you were....put $10 into the account every two weeks," Michelle said.
Thanks to the generosity of well wishers, Alex has been able to stay at home for the past four months to care for Michelle and Ava, a job he cherishes everyday.
"It's been a really magical couple of months," he said.
Michelle is planning a special Mother's Day with her mother and daughter at the beach.
