Sometimes the worst things happen to the best people

This summer the worst did happen, to one of the best people, my close friend, Ashley Markowich. In the midst of planning her daughter’s first birthday party, Ashley discovered a lump in her neck and was soon diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It was unfortunate, it was sad, and yes it was heartbreaking. But Ashley handled the diagnosis like a rock star, showing more courage and determination than one person should have to.

Determined to keep her life as it was, Ashley has spent the last several months receiving treatment all while displaying incredible strength. Ashley has continued to be the amazing mom to her daughter Olivia and has continued to be a caring friend to me. She has never hesitated to answer my questions about being a new mom (I had a million!) and is always there to provide excellent advice, like the friend she always has been.

As a Mom it's hard for me to imagine what Ashley has been going though both physically and emotionally. But through it all she has fought her diagnosis in a way that few can imagine, always with a smile on her face. Her bravery, sense of humor, and overall positive attitude have in no doubt helped Ashley along the road to a full recovery.

Sometimes the worst things bring out the best in people

To support Ashley, and others affected by blood cancers, I have joined Moms In Training (MIT) and have committed to running the 10 mile Broad Street Run. I run this race in celebration of Ashley and in memory of a close friend’s father, Jeffrey Kornblau who lost his battle to lymphoma this past year and is missed by all who knew him.

Please help to further the research that the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) does by making a donation. Any amount helps to ensure that, like Ashley, others can receive treatment and cure this ugly disease!

#effcancer

Love,

Jamie and Noa