A Tribute to Ashley

My cousin, Ashley Anderson, passed away January 17, 2006, the day of her father’s (my uncle’s) birthday and two weeks before my 8th birthday.  Ashley had been bravely fighting a brain tumor for two years while continuing to brighten the lives of every person around her.  Being that she was only seventeen years old when she passed, it was heartbreaking to know her life ended short of what was to be an amazing journey.

Ashley was an exuberant young woman with a kind hearted soul.  She was a team player and a leader in every aspect of her life.  Seeing that she was almost ten years older than me, she frequently came over to babysit my younger sister and I.  With her, the adventures were endless.  Ashley made any babysitting experience a fun time, whether it be doing each other’s hair, playing board games, or eating more ice cream than we should.  Her intelligence though made her a stand out in high school.  She was a part of multiple clubs, a starter on her high school varsity volleyball team, and a straight A student.  No wonder it was a tragic loss for her friends, families, coaches, and teachers when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Even then, she never let her smile waver.  Ashley continued to take part in family and friend activities, like our Thanksgiving family game of Left, Right, Center.  She inspired my whole family to get involved in the SSBTR, or Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research.  Though she may not have realized it, Ashley touched my life forever.

Ashley wore the number nine on her jersey in volleyball.  To this day, I wear the number nine on my jersey for every sport I play.  It’s a reminder that I too can have the confidence and leadership Ashley had nine years ago.