Keep Ashley Moving

Please help raise money for my friend Ashley. She is a 36 year old single mom that became paralyzed by a spinal procedure.  Read below for more details about her story.

Just over a year ago Ashley knew nothing about living life in a wheel chair.  She was a vegan who ran 6 miles a day to maintain an incredibly active lifestyle. Ashley did know a thing or two about medical hardship though.  As a single mom of a fantastic boy with special needs, she was accustomed to asking thoughtful questions and pushing hard to make sure Brayden received the care he needed. 

Ashley was unexpectedly paralyzed in August 2014 by a medical procedure and now lives as a paraplegic. Most would be consumed by resentment, anger, and doubt, but not Ashley.  From the moment she was able, she began helping others through divine grace and strength. 

As a Christopher Reeve Foundation mentor, Ashley helps patients, children, and families adjust to spinal cord injuries and paralysis.  Her vivacious determination is so contagious that both the Neuro Assistance Foundation and the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation, claimed her as a board member, just months after her injury.  Her passion for helping people journey through dark times makes her invaluable to the organizations and patients for whom she advocates.

Ashley racing with Kiley, one of the Neuro Assistance Foundation (NAF) patients they help

Ashley helping surprise Kiley with an accessible vehicle from NAF
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/316047731.html

Ashley speaking with NAF to the Greater Keller Women's Club

In addition, Ashley is training to transfer her love for running into wheelchair racing through organizations like Team Powered to Move. Racing reminds her of life before her chair and the feeling of a "runner's high". When she’s racing, her competitive nature returns and she pushes her body to perform at its best. Racing restores her spirit.

Racing August 2015

Ashley and son racing

Ashley's therapy team at Baylor

Ashley doing water therapy at Baylor

Doctors and therapists recently told Ashley that the charity work and active lifestyle she thrives upon, is causing, damage to her neck and shoulders.  Each time she gets in or out her SUV, Ashley’s tiny 97 lb. frame lifts a 30 lb chair, from the ground to the floorboard of her passenger seat. She’s dropped the chair and fallen more than she’d care to admit. Some days she’s in and out of her car 20 times a day, depending on her patient volunteer work load and travel.

Among other things, Ashley needs help with her mounting medical bills.  She needs an accessible vehicle with hand controls and a ramp that can accommodate her regular chair, her racing chair, and her son.  These vehicles tend to cost around $60,000.  Ashley’s insurance has only covered a fraction of her expenses and medical bills.  She is extremely independent and not one to ask for help, ever.  However, she recognizes that she can only continue to support others through the support of others!

Ashley helping her NAF patient

Ashley before, in October 2013 in the Race for the Cure Run.  She was an avid runner and enjoyed participating in such marathons.

Ashley with her son in October 2013, loving the outdoors and having fun at a pumpkin patch.

To spend time with Ashley is to be touched by a loving and faithful servant.  Her ability to guide people beyond tragedy to search for greater purpose is nothing short of miraculous. Ashley’s fortitude inspires her family, friends, and colleagues to aspire to be better people. A donation to this amazing woman, no matter the amount, is a gift that will cascade to the many lives she touches.