Hundreds gathered in Essex on Sunday morning for a heartfelt celebration of life, resilience, and community, all in memory of Addi Carroll.Nearly three years after her passing from a mysterious illness, Addi’s family and friends carried her legacy forward at the third annual “Run, Walk & Roll” and Touch-a-Truck event.Hosted by the Essex Fire Department and Big Beautiful Life, a nonprofit founded in Addi’s honor, the event aims to support families navigating serious medical challenges while celebrating community connection.”I’m super excited. A lot of people from school are going to be here and just around the community,” said Ella Benner, one of Addi’s friends.More than just a race, the event combined fun with purpose. Fire trucks, face painting, and community vendors were present, making space for remembrance and celebration alike.”It’s more of a celebration than a remembrance,” said Brynnla Mothe, another close friend of Addi’s. “It’s a way to celebrate and be happy, more than be sad about the past.”Before her passing at just 12 years old, Addi was named an honorary firefighter, a distinction still upheld by the department.”Addi brings everyone here,” Mothe added. “She puts us all together and helps us stay connected.”For many, the sense of joy and unity was undeniable.”They’re bringing joy to what I think is a sad situation,” said Tim Daniska, Chief Lending Officer at Vermont Federal Credit Union. “But trying to help people laugh and smile and have hope and have a good day.”Big Beautiful Life continues to expand its mission, offering comfort, community, and care to families in medical crisis. For Addi’s mother, Tammy Carroll, this annual event is more than a tribute; it’s part of something bigger.“Addie taught us to take care of other people, to come together,” Carroll said. “When we get here to this big event, I feel her spirit so close to me in my heart. It’s very therapeutic and powerful.”To learn more about Big Beautiful Life or to get involved, visit their website.
Hundreds gathered in Essex on Sunday morning for a heartfelt celebration of life, resilience, and community, all in memory of Addi Carroll.
Nearly three years after her passing from a mysterious illness, Addi’s family and friends carried her legacy forward at the third annual “Run, Walk & Roll” and Touch-a-Truck event.
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Hosted by the Essex Fire Department and Big Beautiful Life, a nonprofit founded in Addi’s honor, the event aims to support families navigating serious medical challenges while celebrating community connection.
“I’m super excited. A lot of people from school are going to be here and just around the community,” said Ella Benner, one of Addi’s friends.
More than just a race, the event combined fun with purpose. Fire trucks, face painting, and community vendors were present, making space for remembrance and celebration alike.
“It’s more of a celebration than a remembrance,” said Brynnla Mothe, another close friend of Addi’s. “It’s a way to celebrate and be happy, more than be sad about the past.”
Before her passing at just 12 years old, Addi was named an honorary firefighter, a distinction still upheld by the department.
“Addi brings everyone here,” Mothe added. “She puts us all together and helps us stay connected.”
For many, the sense of joy and unity was undeniable.
“They’re bringing joy to what I think is a sad situation,” said Tim Daniska, Chief Lending Officer at Vermont Federal Credit Union. “But trying to help people laugh and smile and have hope and have a good day.”
Big Beautiful Life continues to expand its mission, offering comfort, community, and care to families in medical crisis.
For Addi’s mother, Tammy Carroll, this annual event is more than a tribute; it’s part of something bigger.
“Addie taught us to take care of other people, to come together,” Carroll said. “When we get here to this big event, I feel her spirit so close to me in my heart. It’s very therapeutic and powerful.”
To learn more about Big Beautiful Life or to get involved, visit their website.
