Milford’s Turkey Trot takes place annually along Gulf Street each Thanksgiving morning. This year, the event supports the Avery’s Little Army Foundation, a local charity honoring Avery Lafferty and supporting pediatric brain cancer research. The event is of major importance to the charity and spreads awareness of this disease.
The Milford Thanksgiving Turkey Trot started in 2021, making this year the 4th annual. The event provides donations to the Purple Pantry and Milford Public Schools each year, allowing one to make a difference through their participation.
Avery Lafferty was diagnosed with DMG (Diffuse Midline Glioma) at the age of nine in December of 2021. DMG is a rare, aggressive, cancerous form of brain tumor. She was told she would only have a few months to live.
Avery continued to fight for over two years. Sadly, on July 12, 2024, Avery gained her angel wings.
Avery’s resilience and compassion during her battle against cancer left lasting impacts on everyone she had met. Avery made a major impact on so many people’s lives. She was kind, funny, smart, and so much more.
Avery’s friend, Lily Pirrello says, “Avery was a very bright person and could always cheer you up. She was tremendously kind and caring and would always do the right thing no matter what.”
After Avery’s passing, the family started the charity with the motivation to honor her the best they could.
The Avery’s Little Army website states, “We are continuing to honor her legacy and help other children who face a diagnosis.”
The charity supports families battling cancer, advances pediatric brain and other cancer research, and promotes activities (such as the Turkey Trot) to raise awareness for the disease.
Violet Laird, Avery’s friend, says “I am happy that I get to be a part of the Turkey Trot, to help Avery and remember her legacy.”
The Turkey Trot, with over a thousand attendees, is a great way to support the charity and honor Avery.
Pirrello also says, “I miss her so much and every day I had with her.”
So many people lose their friends and family members to this awful disease. It has major impacts on so many lives, yet doesn’t get the awareness needed.
Events like the Turkey Trot allow charities like Avery’s Little Army to strive. This allows for more awareness to be spread and more support to be gained towards pediatric cancer.
For more information on the Avery’s Little Army charity: https://www.averyslittlearmy.org/
