FIGHTING CRITICAL ILLNESS
Hadley’s journey from Wish Kid to Wish Ambassador
Hadley is a beautiful 10 year old girl in the 4th grade. She is splendidly sweet, kind, and of course tremendously full of sass. On April 28, 2023, Hadley was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma Bone Cancer after a four inch tumor was found behind her left knee. Just three days later she got a port put in and started chemo on May 1, 2023. After 12 grueling weeks of chemo, her tumor did not shrink enough, so she had to have a partial amputation and a rotationplasty, which is a very unique surgery that will give her the best chance of doing everything she has ever dreamed of doing in the future. After that major surgery, she proceeded
with 16 more weeks of chemo. Thankfully, in December 2023, she finished the series and is currently in rehab to learn how to use her second prosthetic.
Even before her surgery, and in the midst of her toughest times, Hadley learned that she was granted a wish from the MakeA-Wish foundation. In May of 2024, her family got to go to Disney World & Harry Potter Land/Universal Studios. She’s House Griffindor all the way! Hadley flew on her first plane, rode her first roller coaster, met her first live in-person Disney and Marvel characters, and had the time of her life. Swimming – and eating Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for free everyday – made her Wish trip the greatest gift a sweet little nine year old could have. Even though she’s already endured some of life’s toughest challenges, her Wish showed her that there is still magic happening every day. Amazing people who donate to beautiful programs like Make-A-Wish truly do make a world of difference, especially giving kids and their families hope and excitement when their wish comes true and brings them magic when they may need it most. Hadley’s excited to be a 2025 Wish Ambassador to help other children get their wishes granted to spread hope and joy to others in need.
Blossom Bound
New location for local farm sparks bright beginnings
2024, the couple purchased a nearly 5-acre property in Canby and planted 900 lavender plants that will eventually be available for u-pick.
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
On the north side of town, on the way to the ferry, you’ll pass a burgeoning boutique lavender farm on its way to becoming an exciting destination for Canby and beyond. Lowe’s Lavender Farm specializes in all the finest cultivars of French and English lavender and handcrafts an impressive line of small-batch products designed to inspire peace and tranquility while showcasing the beauty of a magnificent plant humans have adored for centuries.
Michelle and Rick Lowe are self-proclaimed “accidental farmers.” After retiring from 23 years as a teacher/school counselor and 16 years in the Air National Guard, Michelle planted 100 lavender starts on their Aurora property in 2019, which quickly expanded to 850 plants by the fall of 2021. But they soon realized they’d need to relocate. “We wanted a place we could open to the public,” she explains. “It just wasn’t conducive for that.” In February
After initially cultivating 25 varieties, Michelle has hand-selected about 12 of the most exceptional English and French cultivars for her naturally grown boutique garden, all with their own distinctive attributes. The new plants won’t be mature for about three years, so her current product stock was crafted from crops at their previous property. Everything is made by hand, from essential oils and culinary lavender to sachets and bouquets, with the utmost attention to quality and artisanal excellence. “The lavender water, or hydrosol, is one of our best sellers,” Michelle says. “It’s antimicrobial and antibacterial. People use it for linen spray, room spray, body spray — all kinds of things. ” She offers bulk orders, like handmade bouquets and centerpieces for weddings, as well as whole plants.
Lowe’s Lavender can be found in many local storefronts, and Michelle has been collaborating with other small business owners to design even more unique lavender creations. Her partnerships include Whiskey Hill Store and Three Daisies Vintage, and she sells seasonally at Triskelee Farm, Hemphill Farms and Fir Point Farms. She also keeps stock at the Butteville Store — be sure to try their Luna’s Lavender Ice Cream featuring Lowe’s culinary lavender, which Teresa Sasse at Puddin’ River Chocolates has transformed into chocolate bars. All the aromatherapy bracelets for essential oils, which are very popular, come from Rose at The Sun and Moon Aura. You’ll additionally see Lowe’s at farmers’ markets and seasonal events. Customers can shop on their website, which
has nationwide shipping, and Michelle makes free local deliveries.
As a bona fide family business, Michelle does most of the farm work with some help from her clan. “My four sisters and their kids, my daughter, son-in-law, my husband and his family, grandkids, my mom — they all pitch in, especially during harvest time,” she says. Rick is in the air guard and works as a full-time technician at the base in Portland, but he still finds time to dig holes and lay fabric. He also enjoys distilling lavender and using their Besel Debudding machine, which separates the lavender buds from the stems, a long and tedious process when done by hand.
The operation is poised for future growth with all its connections and a picturesque property full of potential. “I’d love to have a roadside stand for
fresh and dried lavender bouquets,” says Michelle. “And we want to build a pavilion for classes and demonstrations. We’ll offer photography sessions and maybe paint nights — there are so many possibilities.”
The soil near the river is rich in moisture and nutrients, making it an ideal location for growing other crops, which the family intends to do.
Lowe’s Lavender has already received a warm welcome from the local community. “Right out the gate, our neighbors brought goodies from their garden — I love the camaraderie,” says Michelle. Giving back as much as possible is a
cornerstone of the business, including working with Kayla at the non-profit Wildly Kind to make mini-bouquets for kindness kits. “As a counselor, that’s my heart — I want to create and share happiness.”
Lowe’s Lavender is located in Canby. Please visit their website at www.loweslavenderfarm.com
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