Please Help Ashley's Melanoma Journey

Hi, my name is Shannon and alongside a very close-knit circle of friends, we are fundraising on behalf of our dearest friend, Kelly, and her partner of 13 years, Ashley (Ash), who has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma.

Background

Ash is no stranger to this horrible disease as he had a melanoma cut out of his leg some years ago and underwent immunotherapy treatment. Eventually, he had to stop the treatment as his body could no longer endure it and he became very ill. It was touch and go there for a while, but thankfully Ash recovered after spending many weeks in the hospital, albeit it took some time to heal both physically and mentally.

Recently, Ash started developing headaches, dizzy spells and some fainting spells, but he dismissed his symptoms as being part of his Type 1 diabetes. Another very alarming symptom that appeared was his legs were not working and responding normally whilst he was driving. So, a few days after this occurred, Ash visited his doctor and was immediately sent to Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital emergency department for testing. After a CT scan, Ash and Kelly were given devastating news that there were 3 lesions in his brain. He also had brain inflammation, swelling and one of the lesions had a small bleed. Ash was immediately admitted to hospital and was put on steroids to reduce the swelling.

During the steroid treatment, Ash had a PET scan to see if it was anywhere else in his body. On the 5th September 2024, they were told Ash has Stage 4 Melanoma. Not only were there lesions in his brain, it had also spread to his liver, spleen, spine, shoulder and in some lymph nodes. The oncologist said that the only chance of beating the cancer is treating it with 2 types of immunotherapies that they would use together.

Ash completed his radiation treatment on the 30 September and had his first immunotherapy treatment on the 5 October. Unfortunately, his liver levels are now high (which can damage the liver) and Ash was admitted to hospital on Wednesday, the 16 October. It now looks unlikely that he will be able to continue with immunotherapy and Kelly and Ash are now left with the daunting task of navigating alternative treatments and medical trials.

About Ash and Kelly

Ash and Kelly are a couple who embody kindness and generosity. They have both made it their mission to uplift those around them and friends and family frequently turn to them in times of need, knowing that they will drop everything to lend a listening ear or provide practical support. Their home is always open, serving as a gathering place filled with warmth, love and laughter.

Through their actions, Ash and Kelly exemplify what it means to prioritise others, and their selflessness has earned them a special place in the hearts of everyone around them. With this new challenge, everyone has come together to support them in their time of need, reflecting the deep impact they have had on the lives of those around them.

How You Can Help

Throughout it all, Ash and Kelly have maintained an optimistic attitude and are taking every precaution (both mainstream medical and holistic) to ensure Ash wins this fight. So, to help them reach their goals, we respectfully ask for your assistance in easing some of the financial strain they are bearing. This covers all the regular expenses, such as rent, which is, as we all know, at an all-time high right now, as well as medical and utility costs.

If you can contribute, even a small amount, it would mean so much to them and would really make a difference.

Thank you for considering our request and we truly appreciate your kindness and support.

Keep on being positive Ash and Kel! We love you and know you have got this! ♥