Portsmouth Girl to be Honored at Fenway Park

It was a little over a year ago that Paula Skelley of Portsmouth learned that her then 7-year-old daughter, Lydia Valdez, was diagnosed with cancer that was detected when an abcess formed on her jaw that turned out to be a tumor.

Like any parent who received such devastating news, Skelley said it was extremely difficult as she watched her little girl go through the treatment. But they have also gained so much support from Lydia's classmates and teachers at Little Harbour School and the community that has helped them get through this difficult time. Lydia, now 8, will receive some very exciting recognition at Fenway Park on May 19.

The Portsmouth second grader was named a Pedal Partner of the 33^rd annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, according to Allison Epstein, an event spokesperson.

Epstein issued a press release about Lydia in April that noted that as a PMC Pedal Partner, Lydia will be matched with a team of cyclists who will ride in the August event in her honor. Epstein wrote that a vital part of the PMC weekend, Pedal Partners inspire more than 5,500 cyclists as they ride up to 190-miles across Massachusetts and raise money for adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.

Skelley said her daughter is currenting being treated in the Jimmy Fund Clinic at the Dana-Farber’s Cancer Institute in Boston. The PMC Pedal Partner program, now in its 12th year, matches Jimmy Fund Clinic patients with PMC cyclists. PMC Pedal Partners range in age from infants to teenagers.

Skelley said her daughter receives great support from her classmates at the Little Harbour School and the community.

When "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was recently performed at the school, Skelley said the third graders sold raffle tickets for an 11-pound chocolate bar and donated the proceeds to Lydia. They also did a fundraiser for opening day at Fenway Park where all of the third graders wore Red Sox T-shirts and baseball caps, Skelley said.

“It makes me feel very supported by the parents in her school,” Skelley said.

When Lydia is unable to attend school, Skelley said her daughter will Skype on the computer and the kids fight over who gets to sit next to the computer in school.

“She went to school yesterday and the kids were so happy to see her,” Skelly said.

At Fenway Park during the PMC Pedal Partner program kick off party on May 19, Pedal Partners and their families will meet the cyclists riding in their honor while enjoying games, activities and brunch, according to Epstein.

"The Pedal Partner program offers an inspiring opportunity for PMC cyclists to connect with pediatric cancer patients. For the children, being designated a Pedal Partner is an exciting experience that can be a distraction from their cancer treatments. More often than not, PMC cyclists and Pedal Partner families form long-lasting friendships that extend beyond the PMC," Epstein wrote.

While riding on PMC weekend, Epstein explained that cyclists are greeted by poster-sized photographs of the Pedal Partners, lined up along the road as inspiration to get them through the challenging ride. Skelley said members of the Seacoast Young team will represent Lydia.

Epstein explained that on Saturday, Aug. 4, Pedal Partners and their families gather at a water stop on the PMC route in Lakeville to cheer on their teams. The riders stop to spend time with their Pedal Partner before getting back on the road. For riders and families this meet up is emotional and meaningful.

“Pedal Partners inspire and motivate PMC riders to train, raise money, and complete the vigorous cycling challenge,” said Billy Starr, PMC founder and executive director, in a prepared statement. “The Pedal Partner program is a special way for us to extend our ride to the children and families for whom cancer is a daily reality. Being connected to the children for whom they are riding and raising money is an emotional and empowering experience for PMC riders.”

While it has been a tough road for Lydia and her family, Skelley said her daughter continues to amaze her with the way she has dealt with this difficult challenge at such a young age.

“She is an amazing little girl. She is so strong. She has a great spirit about her and she has not lost her sense of humor," Skelley said.