Birthday girl receives thousands of cards

People from all around the world are sending birthday cards to a little girl in Colorado Springs.

Ava Graziano is just about to turn 3 years old, but she couldn’t have a birthday party because of her rare birth defect.

So, instead of a party, her mother hoped for birthday cards.

KRDO spoke with Ava two weeks ago, when she only had a few letters. Now, one day before her birthday, and she’s sorting through thousands of cards, presents and letters.

“I’m speechless, just over the moon. I’m just in awe. I cried as the UPS man delivered her a toy. To see her story go from local to international, I mean we have cards from Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Hawaii and Korea,” said Dawn Graziano, Ava’s mom.

Ava has received more than 2,000 cards in just two weeks, and that’s not counting all the letters, posters and packages.

“I call them her angels because that’s what they are. They’re making her birthday possible,” said Graziano.

Ava suffers from Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, or CDH.

When she was born, doctors said she had a 13 percent chance to live.

Ava’s birthday is Thursday, Oct. 8.