Inspirational Stories

Three little words changed my life forever!

My name is Ashley, and I am a leukemia survivor. When I was 20 years old, I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). I was on tour living the life of a musician when I got diagnosed, and my entire life changed. I had been having symptoms for a really long time and ignored them completely when I should’ve been taking care of myself. So, I had a random accident, went into the hospital where they ran standard blood tests for ER patients, and when the results came back, the doctor said, “You look like a blood cancer patient with these numbers. You need to follow up with an oncologist.” I literally laughed in his face. The next thing I know, the oncologist is telling me I have cancer, and I say, “Are you sure?” I was in disbelief, to say the least.

After my diagnosis, going to the hospital became a full-time job like it is for so many cancer patients. I had a bone marrow biopsy the day I was diagnosed with no anesthesia! And then I started treatment right away. I have three blood draws every week. I’ve undergone countless bone marrow biopsies. I take countless pills and have gone through the hardest period of my life. I got so many weird rashes all over my body that were so painful and felt like a burn. That’s when I started my merch line with super soft material called Chemobabes. I wanted to make really cute and comfortable merch so that way I could feel beautiful and not be in pain with all of the rashes when I went to the hospital. I’ve gotten to meet so many amazing people through this endeavor and feel like we are really changing people’s lives. I donate all of the proceeds back to COH and leukemia research! I am 21 and 6 months into treatment, and I know there will be a light at the end of the tunnel!