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Chelsea Woman Remembering On May 17 and 18, Skye-Larie Lilley of Chelsea is hoping to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. At 21 years of age, Skye knows firsthand the devastating impact of breast cancer. Her earliest childhood memories, from about three years old, are dominated by the illness of her mother, Wanda Avery Lilley. She remembers the long trips from Williamstown to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where she would play on the floor in the waiting room while her mother underwent chemotherapy treatments. She also remembers the emotional and financial strain on her father, Gary, and the feeling of helplessness as her mother’s cancer worsened, finally taking her life when Skye was seven. Skye couldn’t do anything about it. Shortly after her mother’s death, Skye and her father moved to Chelsea to be close to her grandparents, Dick and Marcy Avery. The family built a log cabin on the property, and Skye has been completely immersed in the family passion—raising and training Morgans—ever since. She has worked with her two mares, Whisper and Jipsy, for years, and knows that horses will always have a place in her life. Her interests and experiences have ranged from hunt seat to dressage, vaulting (the ancient sport of gymnastics performed on horseback) to equine therapy. Skye earned her associate’s degree in Equine Management & Science from SUNY Morrisville last spring, Skye, who is clearly is not done with her mother’s battle with breast cancer, notes that, "For a really long time I’ve wanted to do something. Then I saw this in a magazine, and signed up. It was really late, since most people fundraise for a year." The participants solicit pledges beforehand and need a minimum of $1,800 in order to take part in the walk. They begin in Boston on May 17, walk 26.2 miles the first day and then camp together. The next morning, they walk 13.1 miles. Why does Skye feel so drawn towards this particular fundraiser? "It’s more a gut feeling than a mental decision," she shrugs, but after a moment of reflection, goes on to explain her reasons. First is gratitude towards the company. "My mom worked for Avon from home when she was too sick to hold a job. I know how hard it is to deal with losing a parent; maybe with more financial help it would have been easier. We did all we could within our means, but… Avon is different from some breast cancer foundations. A portion of the money goes to research, but it also spreads money out to lower income patients who can’t afford health care." Skye has been training for the walk—first running and now walking daily. She feels ready physically, but is far from her minimum financially. To pledge towards Skye’s walk, go online at http://walk.avonfoundation.org and follow links to give on behalf of "Skye-Larie Lilley." Pledges do not have to be paid before the walk. Supporters can also send checks directly to Skye, payable to "Avon Foundation," at 59 Bradshaw Crossroad, Chelsea, Vt. 05038. ____________ |
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