Just seven months after becoming the first child at UNC to receive a bionic pancreas, Richlands 11-year-old Lexi Cavanaugh is continuing to empower other young girls with disabilities. This weekend, she's holding a fashion show charity event at Liberty Christian Academy. Cavanaugh has had her share of health problems in her short life, having been diagnosed with type-one diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Grave's disease and autoimmune hepatitis.
Her diabetes diagnosis is the most recent, coming almost exactly a year ago, according to previous reporting by The Daily News. "She has just had so many medical challenges, we've really just challenged her to use it for good and to just be a spokesperson for kids who are struggling," said Cheryl Cavanaugh, Lexi's mother. Following Lexi's diabetes diagnosis, she was given an opportunity.
On Nov. 13, 2023, she became the first patient at UNC Children's Hospital to receive a bionic pancreas. It's been life-changing for Lexi.
Despite her disabilities, Lexi is extremely active. She competes in the national pageant scene, plays softball, and cheers. She's even hoping to play football, though Cheryl laughed that Lexi's father isn't so sure about that.
Lexi also has her own nonprofit, Toys for Tarheels. Since 2019, she has donated around 4,000 toys to UNC and other North Carolina hospitals. That's not all, though.
Lexi has also created Go Girl Boutique, where she designs t-shirts, hats, Dexcom stickers and more. In fact, Go Gir.