Avery the Poke Kid Dies at 12 After Nearly Eight Years of Battling Rare Pancreatic Cancer

Avery the Poke Kid, the 12-year-old Pokémon creator who inspired more than 600,000 followers while documenting his battle with rare childhood cancer, has died after nearly eight years of treatment.

Avery was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatoblastoma, a rare malignant tumor of the pancreas, at age 5. Over the following years, he underwent multiple surgeries, radiation treatments and other therapies. His parents said he had previously entered hospice care twice before returning home and continuing his fight.

In recent years, Avery found a new source of joy through Pokémon. Under the name “Avery the Poke Kid,” he shared videos of himself opening card packs, collecting Pokémon cards and occasionally documenting his life and treatment. His content eventually attracted more than 600,000 followers across Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.

One of Avery’s biggest dreams was to reach 100,000 subscribers on YouTube and earn the platform’s Silver Creator Award. Earlier in September, the Pokémon community rallied around him, helping him reach that milestone. His parents expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped make the goal possible.

But behind those joyful Pokémon videos, Avery’s health was continuing to deteriorate. On September 17, his parents announced that he had entered hospice care for the third time after scans showed extensive progression of the disease. They said tumors had spread to both lungs, his shoulder and his liver, and that their focus had shifted toward keeping him comfortable and making the most of their remaining time together.

The family had hoped they still had more time with Avery. On September 18, they brought him to the hospital believing it would be a routine visit. Instead, his condition deteriorated rapidly. His parents took him to the hospital’s rooftop garden, one of his favorite places, where the family gathered around him.

At approximately 7 p.m. on September 18, Avery died surrounded by his loved ones. His parents later described holding him, kissing him, telling him how much they loved him and remaining beside him during his final moments.

The family announced Avery’s death publicly on September 19, thanking the Pokémon community for supporting him throughout his journey. They said the community had given Avery happiness during some of the most difficult moments of his life and asked for privacy, time and space as they grieve.

Avery’s story reached far beyond his cancer diagnosis. Through Pokémon cards, videos and his determination to keep creating, he built a community of people who followed his journey and celebrated his milestones with him.

At just 12 years old, Avery leaves behind a legacy shaped not only by his long battle with cancer, but also by the joy he shared with hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Source: X