There was never a time I thought I would have to set up a GoFundMe especially for this reason but here I am.

Many of you know or have known my family (the Picarelli's) and more specifically my daughter Ashley (Roberts) at some point in her life and if you do or did know Ashley then you know she is one of the kindest, most generous and genuine people walking this planet. Always willing to help someone. Always willing to give a hand. And now she needs that same hand.

Ashley was diagnosed just a few short weeks ago with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcenoma Breast Cancer. Thankfully it has not spread. however, it is an aggressive form of Breast Cancer and next week she will be undergoing a double Mastectomy at the young age of 27 years old in order to save her life. Additionally, lymphnodes will be removed as a precaution as benign tumors were found in more than one and as of yesterday, Ashley now has a chemo port as she will be going through at minimum three months of Chemotherapy following her double Mastectomy.

Recently, Ashley also received the news that she is positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation and as a result runs a much higher than normal risk of her cancer returning in the form of Ovarian cancer. This means that soon after she has recovered from Chemotherapy she will sadly also be undergoing the process of being forced into early menopause and her uterus and ovaries removed to prevent Ovarian Cancer from developing. She is also at high risk of pancreatic cancer and skin cancer to name a few due to the BRCA 2 gene mutation she has.

Ashley is a single mom to two young children and she is fighting this battle alone. She is far from home and braver than I could ever be. Unfortunately, although Ashley is facing such a long road to recovery, she does not qualify for temporary disability or many other services that are sometimes available to people. She has a Cancer Navigator and Social Worker who have looked into resources and submitted applications for her but she simply does not qualify. She also has limited medical insurance through Medicaid.

My son suggested I create this GoFundMe. Had he not, I would not have set it up. Inflation is high, most people are dealing with their own financial struggles and times are tough for all in one way or another. And while I wish I could support Ashley solely on my own through this I can't. And that's hard for me to admit as her mom. So here I am. If you have ever known my little girl (who may not be so little anymore but will always be that to me) and you are able please help me to help her. No one should have to worry about their bills while facing months of life saving measures but unfortunately she is.

Prayers, good thoughts and sharing this GoFundMe are also very welcome and very appreciated.