‘Triumph For Avrey’: Walk Benefits Redmond Girl

Community members gathered in Redmond Saturday for a 5K run/walk for Avrey Walker, a young girl fighting leukemia for the second time.

Avrey Jane Walker is just 7 years old, and she’s battling leukemia for the second time in her life.

Hundreds of people gathered at Sam Johnson Park in Redmond for a 5K walk and run.

It’s called the “Triumph For Avrey,” and 100 percent of Saturday’s proceeds are going directly to the Walker family as they battle Avrey’s leukemia.

Participants, friends and family members signed a quilt with messages of hope and prayers for Avrey, and her dad was so pleased with all the support.

“As you guys know, we are in a big battle with Avrey and all the support goes a long way,” said Aaron Walker, Avrey’s dad, his voice thick with emotion. “Mentally, it’s a big deal for us. And I just want to let everybody know I thank you from the bottom of my heart, I really do.”

“It’s been amazing to see the support from people who don’t even know who the Walkers are and who Avrey is,” said Lexi Comfort, Avrey’s teacher. “But she’s a girl that just really connects with people, whether they’ve actually met her or not, and it’s just great to see that people have that heart to just want to give and support.”

Saturday’s race brought nearly 300 people from across the state. Organizers say that’s 250 more than they were expecting.