My Story — Written With My Girls’ Hearts

This is still incredibly hard for me to write.

This fundraiser was created with the hearts of my daughters guiding it—especially Hailey (almost 17) and Addison (13). They see more than I ever wanted them to see: the pain, the fear, the nights I cry when I think the house is quiet. They watch me try to be strong, and they love me fiercely anyway. I’m writing these words wrapped in their courage.

I’m Ashley, a mom of four biological children—my son (20), Emily (18), Hailey, and Addison—and three bonus kids through marriage. At home, it’s me, my husband, and our two youngest daughters. These kids are my world. Everything I do, every hard decision, every ounce of fight in me is because of them.

I was diagnosed with bilateral invasive breast cancer, an extremely rare diagnosis affecting only about 2% of women. Even more devastating, I have two aggressive subtypes at the same time: triple negative and triple positive (HER2+). In a matter of weeks, my life was turned completely upside down.

I’ve already undergone a double mastectomy with lymph nodes removed from both armpits, putting me at lifelong risk for lymphedema. I currently live with tissue expanders, one of which has caused complications and significant pain. My body doesn’t look like my body anymore, and learning to accept that has been its own kind of grief.

I now have a minimum of two medical appointments every week, often more—oncology, plastic surgery, radiation planning, physical therapy, and regular therapy sessions. Therapy has been a lifeline as I navigate trauma, chronic pain, and accepting a body that feels foreign and deformed to me. I still need radiation, and after several months of healing, I’m hoping to finally have DIEP flap reconstruction surgery. My journey is far from over.

Since diagnosis, I’ve had over 30 medical appointments, each one carrying heavy information and impossible decisions—while I try to stay present and emotionally available for my children. Some days I push through. Other days, the pain and exhaustion win, and I allow myself to rest.

I haven’t been able to work since my diagnosis, and we’ve lost a significant portion of our income. Between ongoing treatments, upcoming radiation, future surgery, travel for care, and new deductibles, the financial strain is real and ongoing. I don’t yet know when I’ll be able to return to work.

Through all of this, my husband William (Bill) has been my anchor. He is my best friend, my safe place, and my steady presence when everything feels uncertain. His employer has been incredibly supportive, allowing him the flexibility to be at every appointment with me. I truly don’t know how I would survive this season without him walking beside me so faithfully.

Breast cancer runs in my family—my mom battled it at 58. Because of that history, I listened to my body and pushed for answers early. That advocacy may have saved my life. If there’s one thing I want others to hear, it’s this: young women are not immune, and you are allowed to insist on being taken seriously.

My faith has carried me when my body couldn’t. God has met me in hospital rooms, sleepless nights, and moments of deep fear. I don’t pretend this is easy—but I believe He is still near, still faithful, still writing a story I can’t yet see clearly.

Financial Transparency: Many have asked how funds are being used, and I want to be open. Donations so far have covered two separate insurance deductibles totaling over $8,000 (one in 2025 and again in January 2026), along with ongoing medical expenses tied to surgery, travel to and from frequent appointments, therapy, medications, special clothing (bras, adaptive shirts, etc), and upcoming radiation and reconstruction. Because I’ve been unable to work during treatment and recovery, support also helps bridge basic living costs while we navigate this season. Every contribution has gone directly toward keeping my care moving forward and allowing me to focus on healing. I’m deeply grateful for every form of support—financial, prayerful, and emotional.

If you feel led to help, please know this:

Every single donation—no matter the amount—helps lift a piece of this burden so I can focus on healing and being the mom my girls need.

If you can’t give, please share.

If you can’t share, please pray.

All of it matters. All of it is felt.

More than anything, I want to heal.

I want to feel at home in my body again.

I want to watch my children grow up.

And I want them to know their mama fought with everything she had.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for loving us.

Thank you for helping carry us through this.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

With gratitude,

Ashley & Family