Help Ashley Get the Heart That Will Save Her Life

This is one of the hardest things to ask for, but it is also one of the most important.

In 2017, Ashley was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that slowly weakens the heart and makes everyday life harder and harder. For years, she did everything she was supposed to do, staying under the care of a cardiologist and pushing forward for her family. But in 2021, her heart began to fail rapidly.

In April 2021, Ashley became critically ill and required a PICC line and continuous IV milrinone, a powerful medication used only in severe heart failure, just to keep her heart functioning. For nearly a year, this medication was her lifeline.

In March 2022, Ashley underwent major surgery at UAB to receive a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mechanical pump that now helps her heart circulate blood. While the LVAD keeps her alive, it is not a cure. A heart transplant is her only path forward.

In November 2022, Ashley was placed on UAB’s heart transplant list. Since then, she has been waiting, hoping, and holding on.

In December 2025, Ashley traveled to Nashville to complete extensive testing at Vanderbilt University. She has since been approved for Vanderbilt’s heart transplant program, pending a few routine exams, allowing her to be dual-listed and increasing her chances of receiving the lifesaving heart she needs.

Being listed at two transplant centers brings hope, but it also brings significant financial strain. Ashley is required to travel to Birmingham every six weeks for follow-up with UAB and to Nashville every six weeks for follow-up with Vanderbilt. These ongoing trips include transportation, lodging, meals, and time away from work.

When Ashley receives her transplant, she will be required to temporarily relocate to the city of the transplant program for approximately 12 weeks to remain close to her medical team. Vanderbilt alone recommends a minimum financial goal of $10,000 for this period, and this does not include the cost of maintaining her household and bills back home during that time.

Ashley is a single parent to a 17-year-old daughter who is currently a senior in high school. Every mile traveled, every appointment attended, and every hard day endured is driven by one simple goal: to be here for her daughter’s future.

The weight of this journey is heavy, and the financial stress continues to grow. We are asking for help to support Ashley with:

Frequent long-distance travel for transplant follow-ups

Lodging, meals, and transportation costs

Lost income from time away from work

Living expenses during the required 12-week post-transplant stay

Any donation, no matter the size, helps lift some of the burden Ashley carries and allows her to focus on staying strong and making it to transplant.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. Your support, prayers, and kindness mean more than words can express.

Thank you for standing with Ashley during the fight of her life.