Ava Miles, the 20-year-old daughter of Calgary Stampeders defensive backs coach Barron Miles, has been confined to bed for over five years due to gastroparesis and median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), rare conditions causing severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. The football community has rallied through a GoFundMe page set up by Wally and Sande Buono, raising $70,000 as of Friday toward a $402,000 goal for life-saving treatment.
Family's nightmare: Ava's daily struggle
Jennifer Miles, Barron's wife, described the situation as "hour to hour" and a "nightmare." She said, "The hardest thing is just watching your child suffer and you can't fix it. Nobody wants their child to suffer." Ava, once an active athlete, now relies on feeding and IV tubes. MALS causes persistent pain when she breathes, especially on exhalation, near the diaphragm.
"She's in pain daily," Jennifer added. "Just seeing her in pain when she's trying to breathe is heartbreaking." The family also battles insurance companies full-time, forcing Jennifer to quit work to care for Ava, who cannot be left alone.
Football community steps up
Wally and Sande Buono, Barron's former coach with the BC Lions and his wife, launched the GoFundMe to ease financial pressure. Jennifer called them "angels" and expressed gratitude: "The generosity of people in Canada and the CFL have given us hope, with prayers, sharing her story, and donations." The funds aim to get Ava to Cleveland for surgery.
Stampeders coach remains focused
Barron Miles, 54, continues his role as secondary coach for the Stampeders (0-2), who face the BC Lions (0-2) on Saturday at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna, B.C. (5 p.m., TSN, QR Calgary 770 AM). The family's fight for Ava's health remains paramount, with the football community providing crucial support.
