
Lilly
A Mountain Escape to Remember
Meet Lilly, the second recipient of a Project Sol Flower Dream. For the past two years, Lilly has faced a relentless battle with long COVID. She’s spent countless days in and out of the hospital, fighting severe infections and life-threatening complications. While her friends enjoyed milestones like her 18th birthday and senior prom, Lilly was confined to hospital rooms, missing out on many of the experiences that make adolescence so special.
Her journey has also meant putting her dreams of attending college on hold as she focuses on her recovery. It's a tough challenge for any young adult, but especially when friends are moving forward into new chapters of life, and you’re left fighting just to keep up. On the outside, Lilly looks healthy—like so many others—but she relies on daily breathing treatments, medication, and even a feeding tube just to get through the day.
Seeing Lilly’s daily struggles firsthand highlighted just how important it is to help this population feel seen and supported.
Lilly's dream was to experience a peaceful mountain escape over the Christmas holidays, but with her breathing challenges at higher altitudes, it seemed impossible. Fortunately, we found Steamboat Springs, a resort town at a lower elevation, offering the perfect setting for Lilly’s dream vacation. Thanks to the generosity of Teresa and Pat Taylor, who donated their luxury condo with breathtaking views of the ski hill, we were able to make this dream come true. Lilly and her mom enjoyed a relaxing spa day, while her dad and brother spent time skiing the slopes. And the cherry on top—Lilly’s biggest bucket list item—a hot air balloon ride over the stunning Yampa Valley!
We are overjoyed to have been able to create this special experience for Lilly. We hope that Lilly’s hot air balloon ride brought her the peace and respite she deserves, offering a glimpse of joy in the midst of her ongoing journey.
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A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who purchased items from Lilly’s Amazon wishlist, helping personalize her dream vacation. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Taylors for generously providing their beautiful condo, and to Wild West Balloons for ensuring Lilly’s balloon ride was both safe and unforgettable.