This blog post was originally done on October 10, 2013. Scroll down for an update as of today August 30, 2015
10/10/13 Meet Ashley and Sailym! A 31 year old single mom to a very vibrant and beautiful 6 year old little girl. Ashley and I met several years ago and became friends. Sometimes you meet people in places that you would never think of finding a friend. Ashley is an inspiration to us all... let me just tell her story briefly. When I met Ashley in 2011 we slowly began chatting and then that led to exchanging contact information. She is truly a beautiful person inside and out. A very caring and wonderful loving Mom. In January 2012 Ashley was having stomach pain that led to severe stomach pain with other complications...by April 2012 Dr's find a large tumor weighing 5lbs in her abdomen area and she is told it needs to be removed immediately. Along with the tumor they removed 1 kidney. She is diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) - cancer of smooth muscle. Not only is Ashley only 30 but this cancer only affects men in there mid 50's or older. Ashley had extensive radiation after this surgery that made her very sick but soon she was told she was cancer free. A little while later she began feeling sick again and the Dr's found spots on her liver...Ashley had a 2nd surgery to remove 1/3 of her liver. Only two months later she is told she has spots on her liver again and hip. Ashley is now going through very extensive chemotherapy treatments, daily shots and many many drives to Duke to visit her Dr. Her latest report wasn't the best BUT the Dr's say they already have their next plan!! We all go through life each day thinking of the small things we need to do or not to do, worrying over things, and living our daily lives. I ask you from the bottom of my heart to pray...PRAY hard and often for Ashley to be healed.
We got together this past July to do this shoot of Ashley and Sailym... they are so beautiful!!!!
There will be a "donate" button at the bottom of this page. ALL donations will 100% be given to Ashley for all of the expense and continued expense of her treatments, gas, etc. I ask again to take time to pray, send positive thoughts, and love to Ashley, Sailym and family. 
*Hair/Makeup by Jasey Price "Salon on Park Square"
A video of Ashley's story by her friend Suzanne
UPDATE August 30, 2015
My sweet friend Ashley was healed as she passed away Wednesday August 26, 2015. Her battle with this disease was beyond understanding. She was a fighter and that's putting it lightly. You see that smile in all of these images... IT NEVER STOPPED. We learn so much from others if we just listen. I am so incredibly blessed to have met Ashley and have the chance to know her, her beautiful daughter and her husband Chris. I am also so thankful Ashley met Chris and she married her Prince. Love shows. Love shines. Love those you love. Our days are numbered.
Its ironic or maybe its not... maybe that's how God planned it. Our Pastor spoke this morning on "giving". Giving your heart, your talents, your love, and finances to others. Doing so without expecting anything back. Ashley often said I was "her angel" and how much she was thankful we were friends. What she didn't realize is what she taught me. You see she didn't loose hope, faith or love during her entire battle. Ive scrolled through many text conversations and friends the way she handled the sickness, the pain, and the many days of unknown is beyond my understanding. Ashley had many other hard ships in her life besides cancer one being loosing her own Mother when Ashley was just 16. Lets take our days to love on and give to others in what ever way we can. I did often tell her I loved her via text, card or phone but I feel it wasn't enough. Take time to tell those you love just how much you love them.
Ryan and I were able to capture Ashley and Chris' wedding this past May. Lets be honest... Ashley felt horrible. She didn't have much strength at all and was walking on a cracked foot. All of this didn't stop her from soaking in the day, the moments, the love. I wanted to share a few images from their wonderful day. Please be sure to read below the images to see how we can continue to bless Ashley!
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to "Sailym's Fund." Deposits may be made at the State Employees Credit Union or mailed to the SECU branch in Wilksboro. The account title is shared with her great-aunt, Rebecca Kilby.
This is a way we can continue to shine love to Ashley's beautiful daughter.
