This holiday season, Foran is supporting the Avery’s Little Army non-profit organization through toy donations. The toys collected are given to the Yale Toy Closet Program, so patients can feel some joy during a difficult time.
Avery’s Little Army was created to honor Avery Lafferty, who had passed away this July due to a brain tumor. The charity helps to advance pediatric cancer research and support families battling.
Avery’s Little Army children’s board team members, Olivia Tilki, Peyton Tilki, Norah Fedigan, Emma Heinmiller, Alexis Lafferty, Angie Piere, and Ella Aoki had planned the event. They thought the toy drive would be an excellent way to raise awareness in the high schools by allowing students to donate to pediatric cancer patients.
Fedigan states, “Peyton had the idea of a toy drive. The team immediately agreed and we made it happen.”
The Yale Toy Closet Program, through Yale New Haven Hospital, started in 1993. Since opening, the program has been thriving, making a difference in many lives.
“This is wonderful that they can remember Avery in this way,” says Christine Mace, a child life supervisor from Yale New Haven Children’s hospital.
It’s important that children battling disease feel supported. Spending holidays in the hospital, going through treatments, or worrying about health can be extremely challenging.
Seana Isaac, currently battling DIPG (a form of brain tumor), states “Though I can not speak for all cancer patients, holidays are hard for me because I always hope I make it to the next Christmas time… I will not stop fighting to find a cure.”
Cancer awareness needs to be spread because of the tragedies of people like Seana who struggle with their diagnosis, and like Lafferty who have passed away. Through this holiday toy drive, Foran is able to play a part in supporting pediatric cancer patients.
