Anyone who has had the good fortune to meet Ashley Davidson can tell you what a light she is to have in your world. And right now, she's fighting for her life.

My name is Linda, and I've known Ashley since we were in middle school. We instantly bonded, dubbing ourselves Twins. With a shared sense of humor, we were always sharing a laugh, or a secret crush on a boy. Kind, giving, and more than a little bit sassy, as an adult Ashley has devoted her life to taking care of others with a career in the medical field.

However, Ashley would soon be the one needing care.

In 2018, the same year she would meet her husband Brian (her "Handsome Soldier", as she lovingly calls him), Ashley began to have escalating symptoms of what was eventually diagnosed as a compression syndrome. In the following years, she would be diagnosed with two more. These include Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS), Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS), as well as Nutcracker Syndrome. If none of these sound familiar, that is because they are all extremely rare, so much so that Ashley refers to them as her Unicorns.

SMAS alone is such a rare disease that only about 0.1% of the US population has this syndrome. These illnesses are accompanied by constant, excruciating abdominal pain, which would remain her daily companion for the next 4 years.

Just one of these disorders would be enough to bring anyone else to their knees, but Ashley is a fighter. So many additional difficulties have arisen from her illnesses in day-to-day life. It has not been easy, but she is still hanging on and fighting. Along with her Army husband Brian, and her giant white gorilla of a dog Bentley, her only wish is to return to a normal life. Even the simple things are out of reach most days for her, like sleeping, eating, walking the dog, or even leaving her home.

Though she held on for as long as she could, Ashley will have to leave her job on a disability leave of absence, increasing the financial burden on their family. In order to relieve some of the pain in her intestines, Ashley walks upwards of 18 miles a day, around the home she is unable to leave. At just above 80 lbs, the toll this is taking on her body and her spirit is significant.

With over 20 emergency room visits, 4 major surgeries, and at least 10 hospitalizations, the bills are piling up in the tens of thousands of dollars. Trying to stay alive and afloat has become so expensive, even with insurance.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please donate today! The situation is dire, and anything helps. Even small amounts can help cover her much-needed medicine, specialty foods, supplements, or even fuel to get to doctors who can help. Please give whatever you are able, to help support my friend in her fight for her life. Any prayers or positive vibes are also greatly appreciated! This world would not be the same without her light in it.