Hi everyone,

Our names are Charis, Erika, Inga, and Whitley, and we're creating this GoFundMe on behalf of someone very special to us, our dear friend Ashley Wood.

We first met Ashley in 2013 while she was serving in the United States Army, and we have been best friends ever since. From the very beginning, Ashley has always been someone who shows up for the people she loves.. strong, loyal, and full of heart.

Ashley’s cancer journey began in 2017 when she was just 25 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 3C breast cancer. At such a young age, she was suddenly faced with the kind of news that changes everything. What followed were years of incredibly difficult treatments, surgeries, and life adjustments that no young woman should ever have to face.

As part of her fight, Ashley underwent a bilateral mastectomy followed by complex reconstructive surgery using the latissimus dorsi muscle, a major procedure where muscle from her back was used to rebuild her chest. Over the years, she has endured countless treatments including hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy in her effort to keep the cancer under control.

In 2020, Ashley received the heartbreaking news that the cancer had returned and progressed to Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

Despite this devastating diagnosis, Ashley has continued to move forward with remarkable strength and determination. For nearly nine years, she has continued to raise her son, work, and build a life while quietly carrying the weight of ongoing treatments, scans, and uncertainty.

Recently, Ashley learned that the cancer has progressed and spread to her lungs, liver, bones, and lymph nodes. She is now preparing to begin chemotherapy again as part of the next phase of her treatment.

Alongside traditional treatment, Ashley hopes to incorporate holistic and integrative approaches that can help support her body during chemotherapy and improve her quality of life. Many of these supportive therapies are unfortunately not covered by insurance and come with significant out-of-pocket costs.

Ashley is also hoping to travel to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, one of the leading cancer centers in the world, to receive a second opinion and explore every possible option for her care. While her insurance helps cover medical treatment, the travel and lodging expenses required to make this trip possible are not covered.

We are raising funds to help Ashley with:

• Holistic and integrative therapies

• Cold cap therapy to help reduce hair loss during treatment

• Medical equipment and treatment necessities not covered by insurance

• Travel and lodging expenses for a second opinion at MD Anderson Cancer Center

• Everyday living expenses so she can focus on her health and spending time with her son

Ashley is so much more than her diagnosis. She is a devoted mother to her 9-year-old son, a proud Army veteran, and a hardworking entrepreneur who has spent years showing up for others even while quietly fighting one of the toughest battles imaginable.

After nearly nine years of resilience and perseverance, Ashley continues to face this fight with courage and determination.

If you feel moved to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply keep Ashley and her family in your prayers, it would mean more than words can express.

Thank you for helping surround Ashley with love, strength, and support during this difficult time.

With gratitude,

Charis, Erika, Inga, and Whitley