Ashley Vietor is my younger sister and the strongest person I know. She has had quite the health journey, including open heart surgery when she was only 29 years old. Now, at 45, she’s an amazing single mom to her twin first graders, Bowen and Landry, who are her whole world. Ashley was recently diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer after her most recent colonoscopy. After a CT, two MRIs, and multiple labs, she is confident in her medical journey decision. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, having just completed her third cycle, and is doing her best to keep working and caring for her boys.

Bowen and Landry are only 7 years old, and to them, their mom just has an “owie” in her tummy. They lost their grandpa to cancer, so we are careful not to use that word around them. Please do your best to follow that if you see her. Ashley’s journey is not easy. She has health insurance, but the costs of treatment, everyday expenses, and caring for her family are overwhelming. She travels from Independence, Iowa, to Waterloo and Mayo Clinic for her care, which adds to the financial strain. The funds raised will help cover her medical bills that insurance won’t cover, everyday expenses, childcare for Bowen and Landry, and gas money for her treatments. I’ve set a goal of 20,000. We can do this together.

Ashley’s greatest strength is the love she has for her boys. She loves her pug, Maycee, and enjoys taking walks with her family and chatting with neighbors. As my only sister, we have always been close, and I want nothing more than to see her get the support she needs. I’m hopeful our community (near and far) can come together to help Ashley, especially as she prepares for surgery to remove the tumor. Your continued support and prayers would mean the world to Ashley, her boys, and our family during this difficult time.