Seven years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a young collector named Avery died on Sept. 18. His family recorded his last moments, during which he opened a Pokémon 30th Anniversary pack and drew a Jirachi card bearing artwork by acclaimed TCG artist Akira Egawa. That card arrived just before he passed away, and the video has since grown into a moving tribute to his passion for trading cards.
Egawa has now publicly replied to the story, sharing her thoughts on Avery and the moment that marked his final hours.
Avery’s Love Of Cards
When Avery died, he was 12 years old. His popularity grew online because of his passion for Pokémon cards, which he displayed in videos where he battled the harsh effects of chemotherapy while staying cheerful. His parents said collecting Pokémon cards gave Avery hope after difficult hospital visits and a long battle with cancer.
In a video from early 2026, Avery explained his philosophy of collecting. “It’s not about having the best cards, or the most expensive ones,” he said. “It’s about having the cards that you truly love and will cherish for the rest of your life.” That approach helped him gain attention after being featured in a video by BeardDadCardz, where the vendor gave him a large number of cards.
Avery’s favorite Pokémon card was a gold star Pikachu. The crossed arms on the card reminded him of Ash Ketchum’s electric best friend. “Ash’s Pikachu is brave, it takes challenges, it fights against gods… it has courage… that’s how I see myself,” Avery said.
The Final Pack
His parents posted a video shortly after announcing Avery’s death, which showed him opening his last Pokémon card pack. The card inside was the special-illustration Jirachi card drawn by Egawa. Avery exclaimed, “No way,” upon seeing it.
He thought the draw especially fortunate since his second-to-last pack held an Articuno art card. The pull came despite the 30th Anniversary’s higher pull rates, and landing two art cards back to back was uncommon.
Egawa’s Words
Since 2019, Egawa has produced a total of 173 Pokémon cards, and her spectacular Pokémon art cards continue to command high prices. Now she has spoken publicly about Avery’s story.
“I want my art to bring happiness to people,” Egawa wrote on X, in reference to Avery. “That’s one of the reasons I draw.”
“I’m so deeply moved,” Egawa wrote in another post. “I’m so glad I kept drawing. I’ve honestly been in tears ever since I saw this.”
Her words speak directly to why Avery’s story resonated so deeply with the Pokémon community. Avery’s love of cards was genuine, and his ability to find joy in simple moments despite his illness touched many viewers.
The Community Response
The Pokémon community has been reeling over the significance of Avery’s final pull. Jirachi is a Legendary known to only wake up every thousand years, and while awake, the baby-like Pokémon grants wishes for seven days before slumbering once more. A voice from a pure heart alone can awaken him.
Given that lore, Avery drawing a Jirachi as his final card almost seemed destined. The video has spread far and wide, and many fans have come forward to share their memories of Avery and the positive influence he had on the community.
BeardDadCardz’s Tribute
The force and influence of BeardDadCardz’s reaction has gained a lot of attention from the community. In an Instagram post, the Pokémon personality wrote about Avery’ are worth noting.
“I’ve seen you put yourself through so much pain for others and through all of it, you always had that smile,” BeardDadCardz wrote.
“I promise I will do everything I can to keep that legacy alive,” he continued. “I’ll keep telling your story. I’ll keep spreading the kindness and joy you gave all of us. And every time I see Pikachu, I know I’ll think of you and that smile.”
The community still carries Avery’s memory, and his words reflect the idea that it endures through those who knew him.
The Rare Pull
A rare card like the Jirachi served as a token of cheer amid hardship, and the footage captures a youth discovering cause for gladness while confronting his own end.
That an esteemed artist drew the Jirachi card gives the account added weight. Egawa’s reaction proves her work resonates with people beyond those who trade cards. Her art gave happiness to Avery, and now it brings comfort to others.
The Gold Star Pikachu
Avery’s favorite card was a gold star Pikachu. The crossed arms on the card reminded him of Ash Ketchum’s electric best friend. “Ash’s Pikachu is brave, it takes challenges, it fights against gods… it has courage… that’s how I see myself,” Avery said.
That comparison spoke to the heart of Avery’s character. He saw himself in the card’s pose, facing challenges with courage, just as Ash’s Pikachu does.
Key Facts
- Avery died on Sept. 18 after battling pancreatic cancer for seven years
- His final pack contained a Jirachi card illustrated by Akira Egawa
- Egawa has drawn 173 Pokémon cards since 2019
- Avery’s favorite card was a gold star Pikachu
- His penultimate pack contained an Articuno art card
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 2026 | Avery featured in a BeardDadCardz video |
| Sept. 18 | Avery died |
| Late September 2026 | Avery’s parents posted the final pack video |
The tale of Avery carries a lesson about how brief instants can hold great significance. His closing draw brought forth an uncommon card, which also served as a sign of hope and gladness amid hardship. The footage captures a youth discovering reason for cheer, despite facing his own end.
A celebrated artist drew the Jirachi card, and that fact adds another layer to the story. Egawa’s response demonstrates that her work resonates with people beyond collectors and traders. Her art brought happiness to Avery, and now it brings comfort to others.
The memory of Avery rests on kindness and joy. His collection gave him purpose, and the video caught a moment of pure delight amid disaster. The Pokémon community has kept his spirit alive by telling his story and honoring him.
Avery’s final pull was the Jirachi card, and it marked a moment of pure happiness amid tragedy. For Egawa, it served as a reason to keep drawing. For Avery’s family, it stood as a last present from their cherished son. To the Pokémon community, it showed what a simple smile can do.
See the video the story is built around at Polygon.
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