Hi, my name is Kelli Harding-Butler and I am fundraising for our friend, Ashley Burke. You may know Ashley as a volunteer firefighter, 911 dispatcher, U.P. Rodeo coordinator, search and rescue member, or just like I do, as a friend. Ashley is many things to many people. I've told her more than once that she'd make a great mayor because the girl knows everyone. I don't think I've ever been anywhere with Ashley where she hasn't stopped to say hello to somebody. Even out of town, Ashley knows people.

Today, I write this with a heavy heart. Our friend, Ashley, is sick. She has gotten a diagnosis that no one plans to get at 37-years-old. Ashley's diagnosis, breast cancer, is quite serious and will keep Ashley off work for months. Ashley is only learning this week about exactly what she will be facing but we know surgery and chemotherapy are going to be part of her immediate future. If you know Ashley, her main concern is that she get this over with so that she can return to preparing for the rodeo, fighting fires, joining the race team at tournaments, and just living her life. In Ashley’s words, “I don’t have time for this. It’s getting to be prime grass fire season and I have a rodeo to do”. We all know she “does”that rodeo!

When I asked Ashley if I could set up this GoFundMe, she hesitated because she isn't one to ask for help. As her friend, I told her that when people learn about her diagnosis, the first thing they will ask is how they can help. This is how we can help. Let's make that truck payment go away from her concern for the next year. Insurance, rent, cell phone, Internet, utilities, gasoline, food, and whatever else we pay monthly, are all things Ashley is wondering how she will afford since she didn't plan for cancer.

There is also a bank account at Covantage named, Ashley Burke Benefit, that you may deposit money into if you prefer not to use this GoFundMe. It would be amazing if we could build the accounts fast so that Ashley goes into this journey without a financial concern. She's scared about so many things. I'd love to tell her to worry only about her health. Her friends in Iron County have the rest.

A benefit for Ashley is also being planned. If you'd like to assist with the benefit, please let me know.

On behalf of Ashley, thank you. Thank you for the support, love, friendship, and encouragement you have provided and will continue to provide.