Support Ashley’s Journey for a Cure
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Ashley (Simmons) Pizzonia’s Journey for a Cure
Ashley’s story began over a year ago when she started to have pain behind her eye. As time went on, the pain worsened and the symptoms started to interfere with her quality of life. She is a vibrant and beautiful 32-year-old and it was easy to dismiss her symptoms as something benign. She continued working but those around her could see that her pain began to be something that she was continuously aware of. She saw numerous specialists in Pittsburgh but the treatments never helped. No one could pinpoint what was causing her pain. That changed in the Fall of 2017. Ashley was diagnosed with a Lacrimal Gland Tumor and a biopsy revealed that the tumor was Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. Adenoid Cystic Carcimoma is a very rare form of cancer. On December 21, 2017, she underwent a second procedure in Philadelphia. Radiation will be needed once she recovers from her second surgery.
Ashley is a 2012 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Nurse Anesthesia Program and a 2017 graduate of their DNP program. She is currently employed as a CRNA at UPMC St. Margaret’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was married in the fall of 2017.
This campaign is to help raise funds to cover medical costs and lost wages from time off of work. She has been off of work since her first procedure in October. There have already been battles with her insurance company not covering expenses that are out of network. Due to the rare nature of this cancer, there will likely be further battles with insurance companies. There will also be the expenses of traveling, hotel stays and incidentals such as parking and meals. Ashley was always willing to help others In their time of need. It is now our turn to ensure that she has the funds to seek the best treatment available.
Ashley’s story began over a year ago when she started to have pain behind her eye. As time went on, the pain worsened and the symptoms started to interfere with her quality of life. She is a vibrant and beautiful 32-year-old and it was easy to dismiss her symptoms as something benign. She continued working but those around her could see that her pain began to be something that she was continuously aware of. She saw numerous specialists in Pittsburgh but the treatments never helped. No one could pinpoint what was causing her pain. That changed in the Fall of 2017. Ashley was diagnosed with a Lacrimal Gland Tumor and a biopsy revealed that the tumor was Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. Adenoid Cystic Carcimoma is a very rare form of cancer. On December 21, 2017, she underwent a second procedure in Philadelphia. Radiation will be needed once she recovers from her second surgery.
Ashley is a 2012 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s Nurse Anesthesia Program and a 2017 graduate of their DNP program. She is currently employed as a CRNA at UPMC St. Margaret’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was married in the fall of 2017.
This campaign is to help raise funds to cover medical costs and lost wages from time off of work. She has been off of work since her first procedure in October. There have already been battles with her insurance company not covering expenses that are out of network. Due to the rare nature of this cancer, there will likely be further battles with insurance companies. There will also be the expenses of traveling, hotel stays and incidentals such as parking and meals. Ashley was always willing to help others In their time of need. It is now our turn to ensure that she has the funds to seek the best treatment available.
Organizer and beneficiary
Joni Hetrick Barrett
Organizer
New Kensington, PA
Ashley Pizzonia
Beneficiary
