A Dream on the Mat: Avery Meets Simone Biles
A Love for Gymnastics That Never Went Away
Avery has always loved gymnastics.
Even before she ever stepped into a gym, she was flipping around her house, teaching herself
moves, imagining what it would feel like to compete. It wasn’t just something she liked. It was
something she felt.
But for years, gymnastics had to wait.
Avery’s early life was marked by serious health challenges, including multiple brain surgeries.
There were long hospital stays, setbacks, and seasons where simply getting through the day took
incredible strength.
And yet, through all of it, one thing never changed.
She wanted to be a gymnast.
When she was finally cleared to try, she didn’t ease into it. She ran toward it.
Within a short time, she was not only training; she was competing.
And loving every second.
A Wish That Fit Her Perfectly
When Kids Wish Network began planning Avery’s wish, her parents expected something
meaningful.
They didn’t expect this.
“When we found out what Kids Wish Network had planned... we were completely shocked,” her
parents shared.
Avery’s wish was to meet Simone Biles. The greatest gymnast of all time.
The kind of person Avery had watched on TV, admired, and quietly wondered what it would be
like to meet. Now, it was real.
The Day Everything Changed
On April 30th, Avery walked into the World Champions Centre in Texas.
The place where Simone Biles trains. At first, she was nervous. Quiet. Taking it all in.
And then she met her. What happened next didn’t feel like a celebrity meet-and-greet.
It felt like two gymnasts talking. They laughed. They shared stories. They talked about training,
goals, and what it takes to keep going. Simone encouraged Avery, spoke life into her, and
reminded her of something simple but powerful:
Dream big. And then dream bigger.
For Avery, that moment mattered. “She told me I was really good,” Avery said afterward.
More Than a Moment
For Avery’s parents, the day was unforgettable.
“This is core memory stuff,” they shared.
But what stood out most wasn’t the setting. It wasn’t the fame.
It was Avery.
The way she opened up.
The way she smiled.
The way she talked like she was with a friend.
After everything she had been through, this day wasn’t just fun. It was healing.
Why Wishes Like This Matter
Wishes create something powerful.
They give children a break from the weight they carry.
They remind families what joy feels like again.
They create moments that last long after the day is over.
For Avery, this wish wasn’t just about meeting Simone Biles.
It was about confidence. Belief. And a future that feels wide open.
Be Part of a Story Like Avery’s
Behind every wish is a community of people who choose to show up.
People who believe that even in the middle of hard circumstances, hope still matters.
You can be part of that.
● Nominate a child
● Support a wish
● Help create moments like this
Because every child deserves a day where everything feels possible.
Every kid’s wish is worth the investment because every wish changes a life.
Many Thanks
A special thank you to our sponsors: Le Meridian Houston Downtown, Simone Biles and family,
and Chili’s Bar and Grill.