Her donation to Illinois Valley Animal Rescue in La Salle was for a grand total of $5, but already it looks like the best money Avery Sontheimer ever spent.

Avery, 14, is the Pennsylvania girl who, from her sick bed, sent monetary donations to animal shelters across the donation. The folks at IVAR were moved to tears and sent out prayer offerings as Avery battled a rare cancer.

This week, Avery sent out a happy update: All the prayers worked and she’s cancer-free.

“It’s a blessing that I’m in remission,” said Avery, who nonetheless must undergo some precautionary radiation treatments. “I’m very thankful so I can continue to help animals. Thank you for everyone who said prayers for me through this tough time.”

Chris Tomsha, executive director at IVAR, rejoiced when she got the news.

“I was very excited for her,” Tomsha said. “Praise God.”

Tomsha called upon fellow prayer warriors after getting a $5 Walmart gift card from Avery, a resident of Corry, Pennsylvania. Avery included a note explaining that she’d launched a fundraiser for animal shelters a year earlier.

As word spread that Avery was battling cancer – Ewing sarcoma, a cancer affecting the bones or adjoining tissue – donations poured in and she issued gift cards to nearly 3,000 shelters nationwide.

“You’re one of the places I chose to help because of my passion for animals,” Avery had written to IVAR. “Thanks for everything you do.”

Avery may be cancer-free but Avery’s Pawsitive Change, launched in March 2020, still is open for business. To donate, visit Avery’s Pawsitive Change on Facebook or www.gofundme.com/f/avery039s-pawsitive-change.

“I love helping animals,” said Avery, whose dream is to open a shelter in the underserved area by home in northwest Pennsylvania. “I was hoping by sending gift cards to shelters I could help just a little and also an encouraging letter because animal shelter life is not easy.”