Welcome to Ashley's Fundraising Page!

If you know Ashley, you know she’s the last person to ask for help. She’s a doer. A fixer. Someone who always shows up for others. Asking for support is difficult for her—but the reality is, no one chooses to live with a debilitating autoimmune condition. That’s why we’re reaching out on her behalf, in hope and gratitude, for any help you can offer—whether that’s through a donation, reading her story, or simply sharing it with others. Thank you. 

Ashley’s health challenges began in earnest in December 2020, when she was placed on medical leave from work due to multiple autoimmune disorders. Since then, her condition has forced her into a full medical discharge. I’ve been home on unpaid FMLA leave since mid-February to care for her full-time, as we pursue ongoing treatment and diagnostic testing—locally and through specialist referrals outside of the North Country. 

Ashley’s more major diagnoses include: MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), Lupus, Diabetes Type II, Sjogren's disease, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and her ongoing Neurology care and diagnostic testing—these conditions don’t exist in isolation—they compound each other, creating a complex, difficult-to-manage medical picture that affects nearly every part of her daily life; they create a life that is unpredictable, isolating, and exhausting.

Since being on leave, Ashley has spent a week in Syracuse Upstate Hospital undergoing diagnostic testing (late March/early April) for seizure activity that began last May(‘24)—the newest and scariest of her symptoms. Now that spring is here, seasonal changes bring even more challenges. While most of us look forward to sunshine and fresh air, for Ashley—an avid gardener in her healthier years—pollen and sun are major health triggers.

In everyday life, one autoimmune disease is sometimes manageable under a doctor's care. What makes Ashley's disability unpredictable and unstable is the stacking and layering of them together. The inconsistency is the onset of symptoms. One day Ashley might sleep 5–10 hours overnight, be able to go to a doctor's appointment (always accompanied), nap, and possibly cook dinner. Another day, she might sleep 22 hours and be unable to interact with her children outside of “good morning” or “goodnight.” Most days in recent months have been 14–19 hours of rest on average, with significant medical observation, while we continue striving for more access, resources, and answers.

We have absolutely tried. We remain resilient and persistent, but as responsible parents, we have to reach out to the greater community now for a helping hand. We believe in transparency—as a former mental health counselor (Ashley), and a Social Worker (myself), it is not shameful to say we have tried our hardest! But we are fighting against some of our most challenging times, and we are appreciative of any and all support.

Much gratitude and love from

THE CLOVERS

P.S. We've included a diagram that outlines Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) triggers—just to help illustrate how everyday things can become serious health challenges for Ashley.

(Photo created by Dr. Afrin)