Hello, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Ashley. I’m 49 years old and I’ve been fighting cancer for the last six years. The journey has been long and hard, but God has carried me every step of the way. And I can honestly say that these have been some of the best years of my life! God has allowed me to see life with a new perspective, approach life with a clarity I never had before, and given me a purpose with my heart ministry.

AJ, my son, has been my rock through every single day of this battle. For the past six years he has sat faithfully by my side—holding my hand, keeping me company, and never leaving me alone.

I have a little ministry that brings me so much joy: I make colorful resin hearts with a mustard seed inside each one and give them out to almost everyone we meet. It’s my way of sharing God’s love and reminding people that even the smallest faith can move mountains (Matthew 17:20), our newest command is to love one another (John 13:34), and if we have faith that can move mountains but do not have love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2).

It has been so special watching AJ grow through this. He started as an embarrassed boy who didn’t love that his mom was approaching strangers — literally everywhere, even while paddle boarding at Rainbow Springs — with these hearts. Now, at 18, he’s become the encouraging young man who tells me to run back to the car and grab more hearts so we can give one to the bank teller. Those moments have been some of my favorites — seeing his heart soften and open has been a true gift from God.

My oldest child, Samantha Sage who now goes by Arti, is 27 and lives in California. Arti has decided to pursue an education in journalism, which is something I strongly support! Arti is so deeply loved. However, Arti stopped speaking to me about five years ago. That has not stopped me from sending loving texts as reassurance that I am always here. I stand strong and proud in the faith that one day Samantha Sage will return to me. Arti holds a very special place in my heart as my first true love. I will be setting up an arrangement with my parents to leave a fund for Arti that they can use for educational or living expenses — or should Samantha Sage return, it will be paid in full.

Because of my illness, I won’t be here to help my children the way I always dreamed I would. That’s why I’m starting this GoFundMe. The funds will first cover my final expenses so my family isn’t left with that burden. Any extra will go directly toward setting my children up for a strong future—specifically:

• An educational and living expenses fund for Arti as I want to help Arti pursue an education and career in journalism

• A new, possibly refurbished, Apple computer for AJ so he can finish schoolwork and stay connected

• Admission fees and supplies for EMT school

• Fire Academy tuition and gear

• Living expenses for his first full year while he trains

My deepest prayer is that these gifts will give AJ and Arti/Samantha Sage the stability to chase their calling and allow both of my children to move forward without the weight of financial worry. Every mustard-seed heart I’ve given away was a seed of hope. Today I’m asking you to help plant a few more seeds — for my kids, for their futures, and for the legacy of love I want to leave behind.

If you feel led to give, share, or even just pray, it would mean more than I can say. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and from the heart of a mother who loves her children more than words can express.

With gratitude and mustard-seed faith,

Ashley (and AJ ❤️)