Support Ashlie's Fight Against Breast Cancer

To know Ashlie is to love her…

Ashlie has had her fair share of trials and tribulations and has experienced things in life that many of us haven’t. Despite what she's been through, she's always been a supportive and encouraging sister, mom and friend. We’ve been through quite a bit of trauma together, but of all the things I’ve watched her deal with, this is one battle that I wish she didn’t have to fight…

Earlier this year, while supporting another family dealing with the reality of losing their loved one to terminal breast cancer, Ashlie received her own devastating blow. The lump and pain she had noticed in her breast was diagnosed as Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer. The initial thought was, how could this be, being that she’s only 34 years old? As a single mother of two teenagers, Lazaria, 16, and LJ, 15, and a 1-year-old fur baby, Bam Bam, Ashlie couldn’t even begin to fathom that this was her reality. Without hesitation, the first thing she did was pray about it. It was only then that she mustered up the strength and courage it would take to figure out her next steps.

Although still grappling to come to terms with the diagnosis, Ashlie knew it would be prudent to seek multiple opinions before deciding the best path forward. She also knew she had to move quickly. After an immense amount of research and delving into the type of cancer diagnosis she received, she was able to make some informed decisions. Ashlie immediately implemented drastic lifestyle changes and was scheduled to begin her course of treatment on November 3, 2022. This plan, which will be spread out over the next several months, consists of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, a double mastectomy (surgery to remove both breasts), additional reconstructive surgery, continuous testing and retesting, and is not currently exclusive of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Although Ashlie has health insurance, as with most health insurance, she is not entirely covered. She has already received medical bills that are into five figures. Additionally, she has had to pay out-of-pocket for many of her medical expenses, as well as expenses for all travel associated with seeking multiple opinions and hospital treatments, as well as for herbal supplements, alternative and holistic appointments and treatments, expenses associated with significant lifestyle changes, and 2+ hour commutes to/from doctor appointments, almost daily, at a time when gas prices are extreme. This isn’t feasible long-term, and due to the overwhelming commute, Ashlie is also seeking to relocate closer to where she will receive medical treatment, thus incurring additional expenses.

As if this isn’t enough, Ashlie is at risk of losing her job. Due to her medical condition, Ashlie has been unable to work for several months. She has exhausted FMLA and PFML, which means she doesn’t currently have any income. Regardless of her income, Ashlie has been inundated with bills and expenses, which has been a struggle to maintain. When Ashlie loses her job, she will also lose health insurance and income altogether, and she needs your help.

Knowing how independent and resourceful Ashlie is, and especially how private she is, this is the last thing she wants to do, but she deserves the best fighting chance to beat this! That will require love and support from as many people as possible. Although a specific goal has been set, that will likely be updated as things progress. As with many things, there will be many phases to this – fighting, beating, and recovering from it! We will be sure to update this as we learn more. In the meantime, your help (love, prayers, considerations, contributions and efforts) is truly appreciated!

With love,

Shayla