'I didn't think it was fair to just let her be bald and not me'
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COQUILLE, Ore. -- A small community on the south coast is rallying behind a young girl battling cancer against incredible odds.
Aaron and Chrystal Walker graduated from Coquille High School in the 1990s. Now living in Redmond, their 9-year-old daughter Avrey is battling leukemia for the third time.
The family is asking for help, and they're starting right back here in Coquille.
Avrey Walker first had cancer when she was four.
Avrey's aunt, Jenny Forbes, told KCBY News that they thought it would be over after the first battle. "You just assume it's gonna work, it's gonna work, she's gonna do her treatment and be done, and then, so the last time when she relapsed it was pretty devastating for the family and just, you know, really hard," she said.
Now that she's battling cancer for a third time, her parents are trying an experimental treatment, but it's not covered by insurance.
So, her aunt and cousin Peyton, who still live in Coquille, are holding fundraisers around town.
The family says Avrey and Peyton are like two peas in a pod. Peyton even shaved his head when she did.
Peyton wiped tears from his eyes as he talked about why he did. "I did that because if she was bald, I was gonna be bald, and I didn't think it was fair to just let her be bald and not me," Peyton said.
Even though the Walkers live in Redmond now, this small community is rallying behind Avrey like she's one of their own.
There are some upcoming fundraisers planned, where you can help raise money for Avrey and her fight:
- Saturday, February 23 - Karaoke Night out for Avrey - Mr. Zack's in Coquille
- Sunday, March 17 - ZUMBATHON - Pony Village Mall. 2pm to 5pm
- Friday, March 22 - Spaghetti Auction Dinner - Coquille Community Building. Doors open at 5:30 pm
Sterling Bank has an account set up in Avrey Walker's name for donations.
Bald is beautiful baby! Best wishes and successful treatment.
What a tough little girl! Have the parents contacted St Judes Childrens Hospital? They may also allow use of the experimental drug, but at no cost to the family.
Awwwe This always breaks my heart.. :( Â Children should not have to suffer such a horrible disease!Â
God's Blessings on Avery, Peyton and their family!
I have hair past my rear and plan to donate it to "Locks Of Love" Â it's a great charity that makes wigs for children of cancer. Anyone that has long hair & plans to cut it- check them out.. They'll send you a free kit with info about how to donate your hair! <3
Very sweet kid.
Avery - wishing you the very best and a great recovery with this new treatment. Peyton sounds like a wonderful cousin who loves you so very much. Get better soon!