In Memory of Ashley Bynum Wade

Courage was Ashley Bynum Wade. And joy. And strength.

Ashley, who died Tuesday at the tender age of 27, had been fighting to live for the last 11 years, after an initial battle with Ewing sarcoma. The cancer took part of her leg a decade ago, and numerous near-deadly episodes have threatened her mortality since – but nothing could quench her spirit. We’re sure she’s in an angel chorus already, watching over us all.

“You taught people how to live life, to appreciate what you have and not dwell on the negatives,” Ashley’s “work mama,” Debbie Granito, wrote on Ashley’s Facebook page Thursday.

“There were days I would go into work feeling down and sorry for whatever obstacles I may have been facing, and yet I would spend the day at work with you and say, ‘If Ashley can smile and laugh and love life the way she does, so can I.’

“You were a teacher. You taught how to love, live and never give up. I was so honored to be your friend and work mama. … I do know that you had a one-way ticket right to Heaven.”

Close beside Ashley every step of her life has been her family – mom Wendy, dad Doug and big brother Luke, Goshen’s first assistant fire chief. Who doesn’t know Wendy, who for the last two years has been editor of The Indy, working 24/7, 365 days a year to keep our community informed? We’re immeasurably blessed to call the Wade Family our neighbors.

Friends, this fundraiser is for Ashley’s family, to help them with unforeseen bills at this most horrible time in their lives. Please pitch in what you’re able – in honor of Ashley, a bright and joyful light gone too soon from our midst.

A few final words from Ashley herself. In a Facebook post Nov. 4 – the 11th anniversary of her diagnosis – she wrote:

“At first, all I could think of what was I not going to be able to do. Looking back, I’m able to see all the wonderful things I have done. And the biggest: I’m still alive! Every day has new challenges, most are related to residual effects of hearing I had cancer 11 years ago.

“But the main thing I’ve learned is that as long as I get up every day, I can get closer to the next accomplishment – and that the next steps are for me to decide. No limits as long as I keep moving forward.

“… Thank you to family and friends who have been on this journey with me. Nobody makes it alone. Together we can go anywhere.”