Help Ashly raise money

For several years I have participated in giving back to our community, one of my favorite ways is supporting our local cancer community. I started giving back in memory of Missi. Missi was a dear friend and colleague that lost her battle with cancer in 2014. Missi waged an amazing fight against cancer for many years with the support of her immediate family and her work family, both colleagues and patients. 

About four years ago, my husband and I met a couple at our favorite spot, the beach, and we became fast friends. Fast forward to July 2019, Hank was formally diagnosed with Mantle cell type b Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Although he was told it's not the "worst" cancer, it comes with a very rigorous treatment. It was an intense treatment, but Hank (the tank) is now in remission!

I am excited to join a "new to me" organization this year, Cancer for College. 

So why the change in organizations?

I am proud to be a part of Charlotte's fantastic law enforcement community. The past two years have been a whirlwind, and several of the children in our community have been affected by cancer. 

On April 4, 2021, sweet baby Bennett passed after a two-year battle. He was just a few months shy of his fourth birthday. His big brother Jackson, also fighting cancers, had his virtual kindergarten graduation at St Jude in July 2021. 

In September 2021, we had another LE family affected by cancer. A junior at Carmel Christian, Cody was diagnosed with Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Cody began treatment in October 2021 and had a grueling 3-month chemo treatment plan.

October 3, 2021: Caring Bridge insert written by Cody's mother, Anne Steppe 

"Saturday night, Cody went to Homecoming with his girlfriend, Carly. They had a wonderful time, and I'm so thankful for Carly and her support of Cody. 

Then today (Sunday)... the big blowout! All of Cody's friends from Carmel Christian all came over to circle the wagons around their buddy. They went to Harris Teeter, loaded up on all kinds of food, then grilled out, played video games and board games, and just goofed off. Those fellas even cleaned everything up!!! They gave Cody a normal day, and I am so grateful. 

Then, they shaved Cody's head."

 Ｐｌｅａｓｅ ｒｅａｄ ｔｈａｔ ａｇａｉｎ … ｏｎｅ ｄａｙ， ｈｅ ｗａｓ ａｔ Ｈｏｍｅｃｏｍｉｎｇ， ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｎｅｘｔ ｄａｙ …． ｔｈｅｙ ｓｈａｖｅｄ ｈｉｓ ｈｅａｄ．

ᴛᴡᴏ ɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ᴋɪᴅꜱ, ᴇɴᴅᴜʀɪɴɢ ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ, ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴛʀʏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴀ ɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ʟɪꜰᴇ.

Seeing the sweet image of Jackson in a cap and gown can pull many heartstrings. While I am not a personal family friend, I have followed them on social media and look forward to watching Jackson grow up. I pray that this cap in gown picture will be from his college graduation one day.

On March 24, 2022, we were all excited to watch Cody's bell-ringing ceremony, signaling his treatment's end. Cody has big plans for his future and is looking at Appalachian State. 

While a bell ring ceremony signifies the end of treatment, it certainly does not represent the end of long-term care, preventative medication, scans, and yearly evaluations. Cancer is not only physically and mentally draining; it is financially draining.

 Consider joining my team or donating today!