Help Send the Lillis Family to the 2026 Olympics – Supporting Our Gold Medalist's Dream!

The Lillis family has always been defined by courage, perseverance, and a shared passion for aerial freestyle skiing.

Like his older brother Jon before him—who proudly represented Team USA—and his youngest brother Mikey, who tragically passed away far too young at just 17 while chasing the same dream, Chris Lillis has dedicated his life to reaching the top of the sport. For this Rochester-area family, competing for the United States Ski Team isn't just a career—it's a family legacy and destiny.

Chris has already made history: he brought home gold in the mixed team aerials at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The family was not able to attend this achievement because China didn't allow spectators due to COVID protocols. Now, as a qualified athlete heading to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games, he's on the verge of adding even more unforgettable moments to that legacy.

But aerials is one of the most demanding and dangerous disciplines in skiing. Imagine launching yourself 50–60 feet into the air, twisting, flipping, and spinning multiple times, then landing precisely on your skis—all while battling gravity, wind, and sheer physical punishment. It takes a toll on the body and mind. (Watch any aerials competition video to see the intensity—it's breathtaking and brutal!)

Behind every jump is a lifetime of sacrifice—not just from Chris, but from his entire family. Olympic athletes and their loved ones often face enormous financial burdens. Families frequently pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket for travel, lodging, training support, and the chance to be there cheering in person during qualification events and the Games themselves.

This community has rallied around the Lillis family for years—hosting watch parties, wearing "Team Lillis" gear, and showing up in big ways. The owner of Fairport Brewing Company has been a longtime friend of Chris's father, Bernie, dating all the way back to their high school days. That deep connection has turned Fairport Brewing into a hub of support for the family, from Olympic viewing events to ongoing encouragement as Chris pursues another shot at gold.

We're reaching out to ask for your help to ease some of that burden. Your support would go directly toward helping the Lillis family cover travel and related expenses so they can be by Chris's side as he competes for another shot at Olympic glory—honoring Mikey’s memory and continuing the family dream.

Every donation, no matter the size, means the world. It helps lift the financial weight so the focus can stay on the jumps, the training, and the pride of representing our country—and it shows this tight-knit Rochester community standing strong behind one of its own.

Thank you for believing in Chris, in the Lillis family, and in the power of chasing dreams against all odds. Let's help bring this incredible story full circle in Italy!

Let's show the love!

With gratitude,

Tim Garman, Fairport Brewing and the Lillis Family Support Team