My name is Jody and I am stepping forward as Ash's aunt to ask for your support. In June 2026, my nephew Achile (Ash) was 20, uber fit, healthy, in love, and looking forward to the future. He and his partner, Sara, were tree planting in Northern BC and Alberta, working toward their studies (he in finance, she in education), and planning to return and work on Ash’s family’s organic farm in Oliver, BC. They were building a life together, making plans, and dreaming of the family they hoped to have one day.

Then, in July, everything changed.

Ash was diagnosed with Stage IV alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), an exceptionally rare and aggressive cancer. What initially appeared to be a muscle-related lump on his forearm grew until it began affecting the mobility of his hand. His doctor quickly referred him to an oncologist and scans revealed devastating news: the cancer had already spread.

Ash began an aggressive multimodal treatment plan almost immediately. The road ahead includes intensive chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation for more than a year, followed by years of rigorous monitoring. While ARMS cells typically show an initial response to these therapies, this specific cancer is structurally resilient and carries an exceptionally high rate of recurrence, making prolonged, vigilant treatment absolutely critical.

Due to his compromised immune system, Ash can no longer work, and continuing his studies has become difficult. Chemotherapy has brought significant side effects, including hair loss, damage to his vocal cords, and numbness in his fingers, toes, and tongue. Yet Ash continues to fight with remarkable determination.

He focuses on what he can control: eating well, preparing high-protein meals, thinking positively, and staying active through bike rides, hikes, and calisthenics on those days he feels well enough. His commitment to giving himself the best possible chance is inspiring.

And then came wonderful news.

Before treatment could affect his fertility, Ash provided samples to a fertility clinic so that he and Sara could preserve the possibility of having children. Then came wonderful news: Sara was pregnant!

This baby is not only one of their dreams come true but represents the future they are fighting for. At a time when so much has been taken out of their hands, they have a new life to look forward to and even more reason to hold on to hope.

Why We Need Your Help

We are very grateful for the treatment Ash is receiving through our medical system. But because ARMS is so rare, particularly in someone his age, we are seeking to identify and access larger centres doing research and clinical trials and treating ARMS.

Sara has spent hours researching and has identified specialists and trials but pursuing them involves costs that are not covered by our medical system including consultations with sarcoma specialists, travel to other cancer centres, genetic testing, and other expenses related to clinical trials and emerging therapies. There is a promising immunotherapy option in Germany; this treatment would train Ash’s immune system to detect and kill cancer cells.

Meanwhile, the everyday costs of cancer treatment are mounting. Ash’s treatment includes a three-hour round trip drive each week, as well as weekly blood tests and other medical appointments. The loss of income, combined with the costs of gas, car payments, insurance, and everyday living is creating an unmanageable financial burden.

We are hoping to raise $100,000. Funds will help the family access additional medical options while managing the practical costs of treatment and lost income.

• Monthly living expenses due to lost income - $24,000

• Transportation and treatment-related travel - $16,000

• Additional medical expenses, expertise and options - $60,000

If you are able to donate, any amount will make a difference. If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community would mean a lot to us.

Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in a future for this young family will help carry them through one of the hardest chapters of their lives.