Help Don and Michelle Through Tough Times

Hi friends and family,

I’m Brianna Harrel, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help for my amazing uncle and aunt, Don and Michelle Ashley. They’re going through an incredibly tough time right now, and I’m hoping we can come together to help support them.

For the past year, Don has been struggling with a severe foot infection that began after he stepped on a rusty screw during a house showing last October. His neuropathy and type 2 diabetes have made the infection particularly hard to heal. Just two days ago, Don had to undergo surgery to amputate his toe and part of the bone in his foot due to this relentless infection. This major surgery has left him unable to work, putting an even greater strain on their finances. He has been advised by his doctor to stay off his foot for 6 months to a year until fully healed.

But Don’s challenges don’t stop there. He also suffers from full-body arthritis, has two frozen shoulders that will need surgery soon, and is living with a broken L3 and L4 in his spine.

My uncle, Don (or "DD" as my family & I call him), is a 56-year-old dedicated realtor and sales professional. Known for his hardworking nature and warm, friendly personality, Don is someone who never meets a stranger. He’s the life of the party, always the class clown and the go-to goofball among his friends.

Michelle, his incredible wife, is a fun-loving and caring person who works at Blue Cross Blue Shield. While her income has been their steady support since Don’s health began to decline, it’s unfortunately not enough to cover their living expenses and the mounting medical bills on its own.

Don and Michelle have always been there for others, and it’s incredibly hard for them to ask for help. As their niece, I have seen firsthand their generosity and how deeply they love and care for those around them. For them to open up to me about their struggles is a sign of how serious things have become. I’m hoping to raise funds to help cover their living expenses and medical bills, and to alleviate some of the financial stress they are enduring. This campaign is not just about financial support; it’s about showing them that their community cares and is here for them in their time of need.

Any amount you can contribute would be incredibly appreciated. And if you could share this with your friends and family, that would mean so much. Every little bit helps, and knowing that their community cares will bring them some much-needed comfort during this difficult time.

With love and gratitude,

Brianna Harrel (their niece)