'Avery's Little Army': Milford Organization Fights Against Pediatric Cancer

MILFORD, CT — A Milford family has started an organization to spread awareness and fund a cure for pediatric cancer.

Their daughter and sister, Avery Lafferty, is remembered as being bright, funny, and athletic. She died after "courageously battling" diffuse midline glioma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, according to her obituary.

"Avery touched the lives of so many during her short time on earth," the family's story reads on the Avery's Little Army page. "Nothing prepared us to hold her and look into her eyes as she took her last breath. She passed away in our arms and in the comfort of our home."

In December 2021, Avery had been having headaches on and off for weeks. Following a long day of skiing, she experienced an intense headache.

Her family drove through a snowstorm that night to a Vermont hospital. Later tests at Yale New Haven Hospital confirmed that she had a tumor in her brain. She was 9 years old at the time.

Despite numerous radiation treatments and participation in a clinical trial, the tumor began to spread and grow again in early 2024. She died July 12.

"While we have made some beautiful memories as a family the last couple of years, we are heartbroken at what this diagnosis entailed for us, and many others facing a similar battle," the Avery's Little Army website reads. "The grim reality is, while progress is being made, we are quite far from a cure."

Paul Lafferty explained why they started Avery's Little Army in mid-2024.

"Realizing the gap in funding existing for pediatric cancer research, we quickly understood these grassroots efforts and charities need to exist to ever move the needle," he said. "Our goal is to honor the memory of our daughter, by raising awareness, donating to specific promising scientific research, and assisting families who are battling pediatric cancer.

"Avery was so kind and giving, and we are too, and want to use our free time to give back and make a difference."

He invited anyone interested to join them in the Milford Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. The event raises money for Avery's Little Army, Milford Public Schools, and Purple Pantry Boxes. Lafferty also said they will have details on a summer event coming soon.

"It’s hard asking for money and we hate it, but we can promise it is needed to make any progress, and every penny will be used to further the fight against pediatric cancer," Lafferty said.

To find out more, go to the Avery's Little Army website.