I've decided to start this GoFundMe in hopes to be able to raise money for my best friends and family, Ashley and Derek Ward, helping them pay for the necessary fixes needed for Ashley’s work van. She’s one of the most talented in the industry of leather, plastic, and vinyl repair for vehicle interiors. Her van takes her from body shops from Orange County to Ventura County while providing her with a mobile workspace, and she does it all on her own.

On May 13th, her husband Derek went into the hospital for an emergency gall bladder removal. As he was recovering from that in the hospital, his heart started to fail and they couldn’t figure out why. It was a very rough first week, being touch and go on whether or not he would survive. Even after he was released on the 31st of May, they are still fighting to get his heart back 100% and find answers. Ashley had to put her business on hold that whole time to fight with him for his life by his side and take care of their two children. Derek is home and recovering and doing well and Ashley has set her focus on picking back up on the work that was waiting there for her as well. Right when getting into the swing of things her work van unexpectedly broke down. It's in need of a new transmission among other things totaling around $8,000. With the medical bills starting to stack up, they can’t even begin to tackle them until this van gets fixed.

With a summer where it just seems like one thing after another is happening, getting a little bit of help from others would make the biggest impact for them.

Ashley and Derek have always been there for me, and everyone that’s been in their circle can probably think of a time they've been there for them. I hope this campaign can reflect a little on how much they mean to others.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Love,

Their best friend, Katelyn