Milford family asks Connecticut communities to place soccer cleats outside in honor of 12-year-old

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The family of a 12-year-old girl from Connecticut who died from cancer is asking residents to place a pair of cleats outside of their homes on Wednesday, July 24.

A very Marie Lafferty from Milford died July 12 after battling diffuse midline glioma for more than two years, according to her family. She played soccer in Shelton.

“She wasn’t just a girl that had cancer,” Olivia, one of Avery’s friends, said. “She was also a very important person to everyone else.”

The Lafferty family asks the soccer community and beyond to place their cleats outside their homes, post a picture with #CleatsOutForAvery, and tag @AverysLittleArmy on social media to honor her.

“Avery fought with bravery and strength for over two and a half years, yet she never complained and continued to find ways to make us smile and participate in life,” a post on Avery’s Little Army Facebook page read. “She taught us how to be resilient and keep going no matter the challenge. As a family, we need to learn from her and do the same. Our admiration is immeasurable.”

A very’s Little Army’s mission is to honor the legacy of Lafferty, described as “an exceptionally brave cancer rebel,” and patients like her.

“We strive to advance pediatric brain and other cancer research through funding, provide support and assistance to families battling pediatric cancer, and promote activities to raise awarenes s,” the website read.

Ashley Tilki works with Avery’s mom and serves with Avery’s Little Army, a newly formed nonprofit to keep the young girl’s legacy alive and fund pediatric cancer research.

Tilki said Avery was diagnosed in December 2021 and kept fighting.

“She went through a brain surgery that January of 2022 and by the end of March 2022, she was back out on the soccer field,” Tilki said.

Avery was a soccer superfan and even met members of the U.S. Women’s National Team as part of a Make-A-Wish event.

Avery’s teammates, classmates and friends spearheaded the #CleatsOutforAvery on social media, posted with pictures of their cleats outside, all in the girl’s memory.

“I’m really happy that we’re doing this for her because I know that she would’ve appreciated it,” Violet, one of Avery’s friends, said. “And I know her parents appreciate it, too.”

Tilki said it means a lot to the family.

“As I talk to [Avery’s parents] and they read Facebook messages and texts they get, these small little things bring huge smiles to their faces during what is obviously and awful time,” Tilki said.

Putting cleats outside was a small gesture for a girl who had a big impact.

“We miss you, you’re a great person and I wish you were still by my side,” Olivia said.

Learn more about Avery’s Little Army here .

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