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17-year-old Avery Gerleman is ready to start her senior year in high school, showing no signs of her 87-day battle with death.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

Avery Gerleman in the fall of 2006 with her therapists.

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Gerleman Family / Courtesy

Michelle Stuart Hilgenfeld, one of Avery's doctors, signed "You inspire me Avery" on a get-well card.

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Gerleman Family / Courtesy

Avery Gerleman was a top soccer player in her age group, traveling as far away as Arkansas for soccer tournaments before her illness.

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Gerleman Family / Courtesy

8-year-old Avery Gerleman celebrates her first communion on April 20, 2002. Father Emil Kapaun was born on the same day in 1916.

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Gerleman Family / Courtesy

Avery Gerleman and her prom date, Kord Sanders.

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Gerleman Family / Courtesy

Avery Gerleman was a top soccer player in her age group, traveling as far away as Arkansas for soccer tournaments before her illness.

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Gerleman Family / Courtesy

Avery Gerleman was a top soccer player in her age group, traveling as far away as Arkansas for soccer tournaments before her illness.

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Gerleman Family / Courtesy

Avery Gerleman and her mother, Melissa, right, recall the day that Avery went to the hospital, not knowing that Avery would soon be in a battle for her life.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

Many nights after leaving Avery at the hospital, Shawn Gerleman would stop and pray at St. Patrick Church.

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Bo Rader / The Wichita Eagle

Avery Gerleman was voted Prom Queen at this year's Maize South High School Jr. Prom.

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Gerleman Family / Courtesy

Signatures of friends and well wishers signed a giant card for Avery while she was hospitalized.

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