Emily Progin, Content Manager
[email protected] / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
$1,700 RAISED TO HELP LOCAL 33-YEAR-OLD WITH RARE ILLNESS
Help Ashley Clifford to Get Treatment, Work, Pursue Degree, Dance Again
SEASIDE, Calif.—Ashley Clifford was just 16 years old when a sudden diagnosis changed the course of her life. Over the past 2 months, a medical fundraising campaign with the nonprofit Help Hope Live has raised over $1,700 in Ashley’s honor to assist with the out-of-pocket medical costs related to her diagnosis.
With help, Ashley hopes to continue her meaningful career, finish her Master of Social Work degree, and get back to doing the things she loves—including dancing.
Tax-deductible donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/26909/
Ashley was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation at age 16. She underwent two brain surgeries, which helped to alleviate the symptoms of the rare diagnosis. However, the surgeries did not fully eliminate the symptoms.
Now 33, Ashley lives with chronic pain, debilitating fatigue, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, POTS, cognitive challenges, difficulties with walking and swallowing, shortness of breath, and vertigo—along with a range of other complex symptoms—stemming from EDS and spinal instability that is placing strain on her brainstem.
A resident of the Monterey Peninsula since 2014, Ashley has made deep local connections through her work. She worked for 3 years with Maxim Healthcare Services, helping individuals and families to access home healthcare. She now works for Seneca, a nonprofit that provides mental health support and social services to youth and families.
She’s also a student at Ohio State University, but she’s had to pause her Master of Social Work with only internships remaining due to her health challenges.
“I want to continue doing the work that I am so passionate about,” she explained. “I’m always trying to give back where I can. I will keep working for as long as my body is capable.”
Ashley’s diagnosis has impacted nearly every aspect of her life, including her ability to spend time with loved ones and pursue her favorite hobbies. “I’m home a lot, laying in bed,” she explained. “I used to love dancing, and it would mean so much to me to be able to dance again in some capacity, even if it looks different than it used to.”
Her biggest joy in the midst of her medical challenges: spending time with her dog. “I love her so much,” she said. “She loves being outdoors and going on adventures, but right now, even walking on a sandy beach is really challenging for me.”
Ashley has a bright hope for the future in the form of specialized medical care to treat her diagnoses. However, only a handful of experts worldwide can address the rare illnesses, and most are located across the country or overseas. Insurance does not cover the cost of this specialized treatment or the associated medical travel.
That’s why Ashley turned to the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live. Since February, her community has raised over $1,700 in her honor.
Ashley has used her Help Hope Live Campaign Page to bring her loved ones along this journey with her with transparency and gratitude. She posts regular updates that reflect the latest developments in her consultations and pursuit of quality care.
Her community has responded in turn with loving messages of support on her Campaign Page guestbook.
Because Ashley has turned to Help Hope Live for fundraising, the campaign is backed by medical verification, tax-deductible donations, and maximum protection for her asset-based benefits. All funds raised will be administered by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $194 million to pay patient expenses, assisting more than 25,000 patient families. ###
