Hello, My name is Ashley and I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at 27 years old in 2017.

During the first few weeks after my initial diagnosis, one thing stood out- and that was how I talked to Emily, my 4 year old daughter, about why her mommy is so sick. It was the most heartbreaking thing to have to endure. I was a single mom, and she was my world. 

The kind social worker at Penn got me in touch with Judy from CTC, and our journey began with a group of the most supportive people we could ask for. 

We started with the in-home visits with Judy and Nicole. (Nicole loves to tell people that Emily was the first child she saw in home, and we love that special bond with her) and slowly progressed into joining in on all the family events we could make. 

Shortly after I was diagnosed my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer, and CTC reached out and did everything they could to help us. (When we lost my mother 16 months later, Judy from CTC came to her services to show her support) 

CTC was a godsend during the most difficult time of my life. They helped me and my family more than I could ever put into words. 

Even though I was diagnosed 8 years ago, we still attend the family events that CTC offers – except now my family has grown. 

Emily, who is now 12, happily enjoys all the fun events that CTC offers such as mini golfing, the hayride, bowling and Christmas parties with her sister Grace (5) and her brother Declan (4) and my husband. 

CTC is the first organization that I tell newly diagnosed families about. The love CTC shows, the kindness they give and life changing experiences they offer to people going through the worst times of their life, is something that I will forever be grateful for.  

Part of my heart will always belong to those at CTC who were a part of my recovery and remission journey.