In Loving Memory of Averi Valdivieso

Averi was born on December 31, 1992 to Roxi and Eddie Valdivieso and passed away on March 12, 2009 after a brave battle with Ewing's Sarcoma. 

She loved the outdoors and especially loved to surf off the coast of North Carolina with her dad.  A natural born artist, Averi poured her heart and soul into her artwork and left behind dozens of amazing pieces.  She was an avid reader and was a big fan of both the Harry Potter and Twilight series'.  She loved eating and cooking, day and night, clothes, but not shopping, taking photographs, thrills - like roller coasters and hang gliding - electronics, candy, bowling, reality shows, good movies, bright nail polish, fantasy, water, animals, discovering new things, and life.

When she was diagnosed with cancer at 12 years old, she never focused on the disease but decided to focus on life and making sure she lived every moment of it. She had a true zest for life that she passed along to everyone in her life. 

As you continue through the day and the month, we ask you to remember Averi and her family in your thoughts and prayers. 

In celebration of Averi's life, here are two poems that she wrote:

Step by Step

Step by step,

We walk away,

farther and farther,

from where we started yesterday. 

My heart tells me these steps are just not right,

Somewhere else there is a much brighter light,

So I turn around and change my direction,

And walk into the bright light that is called heaven.

Believe

When you are lost,

Do not lose hope,

Believe.

When fear is present,

Do not lose courage,

Stand up.

When all is gone,

Do not lose faith,

Just hold on.

When war arrives,

Do not lose peaces,

Dig deep.

When hate comes.

Do not lose love,

It is always there.

When life is gone,

Have hope, courage, faith, peace, and loves,

God is here.