Tonight, I feel a need to share with you the story of my friend and her family. When Coach and I lived in Illinois we were very blessed to make friends with loads of wonderful people and characters. There was a wonderful woman that I instantly became drawn to. She became a beacon of kindness in a strange, new place for me. She was bright, vibrant, outgoing, warm, compassionate and had beautiful daughters!! She is the mighty Kimberly.
We all ended up moving within almost of year of each other. She and her daughters trekked further West than Coach and I and ended up in a beautiful State with beautiful lives. Coach and I ended up in Arizona and are learning to find the beauty in the stark contrasts of each season.
Prior to our move in 2012, we learned that Kimberly's oldest daughter, Ashley, was diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. What began as a nosebleed, that wouldn't stop, became an uphill fight that she has endured with wit and grace.
The Beautiful Ashley
At the time of diagnosis, Ashley was enrolled in college and had to withdraw so that she could get her game face on and get busy kicking leukemia's trash!! She has been battling for more than a year now. She has remained steadfast and taken this cancer by storm.
I can't say enough good things about this family. They are strong, they are centered, they are each other's biggest cheerleaders and they embraced my family when we were so new to the world of college coaching- even though there was no reason to do so: other than they are good people.
Digging out of our own hole, with A LOT of help from our friends, has taught me the value of community and reaching out. So tonight, that's what I'm doing. Coach and I are still not in the best of positions to give gobs of money, but we're helping as best we can, and that is the point. If you can, please help. If you're not in a position to give financially, please consider adding Ashley & her family to your prayers. Every whispered plea, on their behalf, will do much to lift and sustain them through.
I am confident that much good can com from all of us pulling together and doing what we can to make this world a better place; we can start by embracing the fighters. Ashley's mother introduced me to the title of Warrior Princess and it's one that I wear with pride; knowing full well that Ashley wears it with much strength. She is my hero.
Details about Ashley and her family can be found here:
I can't say enough good things about this family. They are strong, they are centered, they are each other's biggest cheerleaders and they embraced my family when we were so new to the world of college coaching- even though there was no reason to do so: other than they are good people.
Digging out of our own hole, with A LOT of help from our friends, has taught me the value of community and reaching out. So tonight, that's what I'm doing. Coach and I are still not in the best of positions to give gobs of money, but we're helping as best we can, and that is the point. If you can, please help. If you're not in a position to give financially, please consider adding Ashley & her family to your prayers. Every whispered plea, on their behalf, will do much to lift and sustain them through.
I am confident that much good can com from all of us pulling together and doing what we can to make this world a better place; we can start by embracing the fighters. Ashley's mother introduced me to the title of Warrior Princess and it's one that I wear with pride; knowing full well that Ashley wears it with much strength. She is my hero.
Details about Ashley and her family can be found here:
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