Ashley Russell

Hi, my name is Brianne, I am starting this go fund me to help my sister-in-law Ashley Russell and her family with her fight against cancer. All proceeds will be used to help with medical expenses, bills, lodging for treatments and follow-up, and help with food or other unexpected expenses that may arise. Please allow me to share her story.

Ashley Russell, now 33 years old, became pregnant via IVF in 2021 after waiting 10 long years for her husband, Josh, to be free and clear from his fight against cancer. They were excited and ready to take on this new life as a family of 3 and finally become parents! In November of 2021, while Ashley was 8 months pregnant, she noticed a lump in her breast. She was evaluated, which was thought to be mastitis (an infection of the breast tissue). On December 18, 2021, Ashley went into labor. Upon admission, her breast was now a solid lump. Ashley gave birth to a beautiful, healthy boy early on December 19, 2021. A biopsy of her breast was done while she was in the hospital. On December 21, 2021 she was told it was likely cancer but had to wait for the final result to determine the type and staging. December 28, 2021, 9 days post-partum, Ashley, Josh, and Thaddeus's whole world was struck with the terrible news they feared; Ashley's biopsies came back as Stage 4, Triple Negative, Inflammatory Breast Cancer. This type of cancer is very aggressive and rapidly growing for those who do not know. Now the fight begins; instead of Ashley, Josh, and Thaddeus being able to enjoy all the joys of this new and exciting time as a new family, they now have this news to worry about and fight against. Ashley is being seen and treated by the amazing Doctors at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN and a local oncologist at the Monroe Clinic. She had a PET scan before the start of treatment, and it was found that cancer had metastasized to other major organs, the bone, lymph, and other breast.

Ashley has gone through 3 different chemotherapies and 1 immunotherapy. She is not a candidate for surgery. Currently, her body is not tolerating the full dose of therapy, and she is missing many days of work due to being ill.

On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Ashley collapsed while walking into their house and became incoherent. Thankfully Josh was there by her side and was able to catch her. She was rushed to the ER via ambulance and was further evaluated. MRI showed a new lesion on her brain; she developed a fever shortly after requiring admission into the hospital. Currently, the local oncologist is collaborating closely with her oncology team at Mayo Clinic to determine the next steps.

Ashley and Josh have missed several workdays tending to her needs, care, and treatment. This will be an ongoing strain for them emotionally, mentally, and financially. Ashley and Josh deserve to be able to focus on her health, fighting this cancer, and watch their baby grow without the added strain of how they will manage to pay all these extra expenses while missing several days of work. Thaddeus deserves to spend time with his mommy making her smile during her difficult days. There is nothing more comforting and healing than the love and snuggles of your baby. By donating to Ashley's fight against cancer will allow them a little peace of mind on the financial strain they are enduring and allow them to focus on her health and being with Thaddeus.

On behalf of Ashley, Josh, and Thaddeus we want to thank you for your generosity, prayers, positive vibes, and well wishes.

Kindly,

The Russell Family