Local talent show to benefit Cowley girl facing lifelong medical challenges

Every day is a gift for 12-year-old Aavah Jude Mangus of Cowley.

Born with the rare congenital disorder heterotaxy, Aavah faced slim odds of survival. Twelve years later, she continues to defy those odds, though not without countless trips out of state for specialized medical care.

Heterotaxy causes organs to develop in abnormal positions within the body and often affects the heart, liver, lungs, intestines and spleen. Heart defects are common, and Aavah required a pacemaker at birth before receiving a heart transplant at just 3 months old.

Her medical journey is far from over.

Today, Aavah also battles autoimmune disorders, a blood disorder, blood cancer and stage 3 kidney failure. Doctors expect she will eventually need a kidney transplant, and another heart transplant may also become necessary. Despite the challenges, Aavah is determined to enjoy life as any other middle schooler. She loves skincare and makeup, spending hours watching YouTube tutorials, and recently joined her middle school cheerleading squad.

Another bright spot in her life is Daisy, a miniature Aussiedoodle puppy who has become an important source of comfort. According to her mother, Amber Mangus, Daisy has helped ease Aavah’s anxiety surrounding her medical condition. The puppy is currently training with local dog trainer Wes Mangus to become a certified service dog, allowing Daisy to accompany Aavah to more places, including medical appointments.

“Coping with all this is much harder now that she’s older,” Amber said. “She understands more, and it is very scary and anxiety-producing. But I’m very proud of how mature she is in dealing with it. We pray a lot, and she knows God is going to take care of her. She has faith that her big sister, who recently passed away, is an angel watching over her.”

BENEFIT TALENT SHOW

To help support Aavah and her family, Compete for a Cause (C4C) will host its annual benefit talent show August 8 at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium in Cody.
The show begins at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. Seating is general admission, and organizers encourage attendees to arrive early. Though there is no set entry fee, attendees are encouraged to donate to the cause.

Founded in 2019 by Brook Grant, Holly Baker and Chrissy Lennon, Compete for a Cause uses local talent to raise money for children facing serious medical challenges. This year’s show marks the organization’s eighth annual fundraiser. According to the organization, C4C has raised more than $200,000, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting children and families in need.

“There’s so much talent in this area, and it’s pretty neat when you can use your God-given talents to make an actual difference,” Grant said. “All of our performers have hearts of gold. They care more about the child than the competition. It makes my heart so happy that people are willing to put themselves out there, and I’m grateful we’re able to provide a stage for them. It’s been fulfilling for me. It fills my bucket and my soul.”

Grant said recipients are selected by the organization’s board of directors.

“I don’t choose the recipient on my my own,” she said. “Our board makes that decision. When they announced, they had chosen Aavah, it was a special moment. She was definitely the right choice. I also felt honored they chose a girl from the Lovell-Cowley area because I grew up in Lovell.”

The evening will feature a variety of family-friendly performances by Big Horn Basin talent, including musicians, theatrical acts, cloggers, ballet dancers, Irish dancers and more, all competing for trophies and recognition.

Although auditions for this year’s show have closed, performers interested in next year’s event can already register through the C4C website. The organization accepts only family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational acts submitted through video auditions.

Grant added that the event is powered entirely by volunteers, with no paid staff, allowing nearly all proceeds to directly benefit the selected recipient.

Amber Mangus said her family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support.

“We are very blessed and thankful that people are thinking of Aavah and our family,” she said. “It really means a lot to us. All of the prayers are appreciated. It’s the greatest gift of all.”