A rite of passage is a ceremony that marks a milestone event. Hair loss just means that the chemotherapy is doing it’s job….it’s killing the bad cells in my body…..it just happens to be killing my poor hair cells at the same time. They’ll get over it. It’s just a milestone. It’s just hair. We filmed today to make a little movie. The biggest thing for me is that now I LOOK like I have cancer. It will be a social study over the next few weeks for me. Anyways, I wanted to cut my hair off before it all fell out…..I’d already lost a ton of it. We plan to donate the ponytail…..but Boo couldn’t part with it just yet. We let her keep it as a “pet” for just a bit and then we’ll turn it over to my friend Tara to send off to someone who can use it.
If you missed my last post, my mom shaved her head so I wouldn’t have to go first. It lessened the blow for Boo as well. Thank you Mom. I love you. You are always so selfless and giving. I’m sorry Boo cried at your hair. You are the most beautiful bald woman I’ve ever seen. Now Boo wants us bald all the time and doesn’t like when we wear anything on my head…..go figure. My sweet friend Aileen said my head would get cold….and I didn’t believe her. She was right.
Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. -Dr. Seuss
wow… my fav part is when your husband kisses you!
That was when I teared up. What a strong, loving husband you have!
Wear that bald head, lady, you ROCK it!!!!
This is an awesome video and you have so much courage sharing your story. You and your mom are the most beautiful women. Just goes to show, hair does not make someone beautiful!
This is one of the most beautiful videos I’ve ever seen. Thank you for sharing this – it made me cry and that is not an easy thing to do! You have such a wonderful spirit even amidst all of the hardship; thank you for the reminder that life is beautiful no matter what.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful time with us! And thank you for being such a precious encouragement. –hugs to you all and prayers for you and your family–
This is such a private moment, but I can tell you that you have touched many hearts, changing mentalities and impacting souls Ashley! Thanks for giving to the Lord! You courage really points to Christ. I see Him in all that you do, that you make visible to us via your blog. You are not a “preacher” your life is on display for many to see, to observe, to take note, to be encouraged by, but many will come to know Christ through you, for this I am convinced.
Prayers continue for you, Boo and Mr. LBB. So thankful for your network of friends and family.
Seriously, sweetest video ever! Sitting here in tears over the love and support from your family and friends, thank you for sharing!
A friend posted your link on her Facebook. You are a beautiful girl Ashley, even without hair. Very moving video, made me cry. I think god has big plans for people like yourself.
I will continue to pray for you and your family. Keep strong!! Always remember, if God brings you to it, he can get you through it!
You are SO SO SO BEAUTIFUL!
My friends are starting to think I have crying problems every day… but it’s just from reading your blog! 🙂
I’m sorry you’re going through all this. But, what a great way for you all to go bald together. Your caring husband and your smiling mom… awwww! What a sweet family you have. And, dang, you’re pretty.
Breathtaking video. Thank you for sharing.
You are so beautiful….
with love, Paulette
Wow… I have been following along with you for a while now, but never commented. You are such an inspiration! Prayers for you daily!
That was beautiful, you made me cry and I never cry. Your so strong Ash, I know this cancer doesn’t stand a chance in you. Thanks for making even bald beautiful, I have thought about it a couple times over the year because trying to hide the fact that I don’t have lush thick hair is tiresome and I have felt comfortable with the thought of a wig just yet. Thanks for sharing your journey, your making us all stronger because of it. <3 you. Mere
You are amazing! All other words escape me.
Much love to you and your family!
Everytime I read your blog I am inspired whether it be with a new craft or idea and even now shaving your head and the bond between your family. Youre amazing
Beautiful! What an awesome family you are blessed with!
Also in tears, soooo beautiful and so brave you are. I love the sweet looks from Boo, the kisses from your husband and how much fun you and your mom seem to be having. I am in awe of you, bless you so much <3
I have to say you are so incredibly strong, fierce and brave. Thank you sharing your journey with us.
Thank you for sharing this. I read every post, following your journey., and praying for you and your family. The video was touching, and your courage is amazing–your’e amazing!
You are amazing!
Ashley! We can’t stop thinking about you…You are inspiration to so many people around the world and we love you so much and think about you all the time. I’m so glad you had the chance to stop by Target Trim the other day and I was so disappointed I wasn’t able to see you. We wish nothing but the best for you, Brett, and Sienna, and we look forward to seeing you very, very soon. We Love You 🙂
Ashley you are soo brave, courageous and beautiful, bald or not…so glad you took charge of at least 1 thing in the midst of cancer. So glad & proud that your mom did it too..we all know she’d gladly take the cancer for you just like you’d do for Boo. Praying for you & have you on my Daniel Fast prayer list (we start the 21 day fast tomorrow) Your dad would be proud that you’re Choosing Joy!!
Wow! Great video. Thin little lightweight beanies help with the cold head. Tiny t-shirts for your noggin! I bet you know someone that could whip you up a few! And matching ones for Sienna and your mom — of course. 🙂
Beautiful video AND a beautiful woman! You look amazing!!!
Love it! Thank you for sharing!!
Balling my eyes out here! It was so sweet when Brett leaned in to give you a kiss! I lost it then. You and your mom both look GREAT! You are so strong and I am sure many people will benefit from your posts and video! 🙂
Your such an inspiration! You always seem to keep a smile on your face through the good and the bad! NEGU!
P.S. You completely pull off the bald look! Always beautiful!
You are beautiful. Thank you for sharing such a special moment with the world!
Took my breath away. Your strength inspires me. Praying for you!
took my breath away…….. praying for you sweet lady
You’re simply amazing. 🙂
What a moving, breathtaking video. You and your family are absolutely beautiful. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your journey.
OK…you finally did it. I think this is the first time I’ve cried through this whole thing!!!! Not tears of sadness…but just an overwhelming pride that I know you….and watching you go through this…with such grace and beauty. I think you are more beautiful today….than ever before. xoxo
What a beautiful video that is. You are a true inspiration. xo
thank you for sharing your life with us. I sit here with tears flowing as I watch your video! I started following your blog for crafts, and now I am more invested in your life challenges. As I follow your newest path, I have been praying for you and your family. God Bless You All! May the Joy of the Lord Be your Strength!
I have never seen so much LOVE, COURAGE, BEAUTY, and JOY. I am SO PROUD to know you, Ash.
WOW … so powerful … i couldn’t stop the tears. You are such an amazing woman and loved by many! God Bless you and your bequtiful family!
Wow! Amazing. Really! Such a amazing woman you are. I was trying to explain to my husband why I was crying and I started to say, “This friend of mine has cancer.” Well, you do feel like that!
BEAUTIFUL! I could not watch with out bawling….you were so amazingly strong through the whole thing. I loved how your husband kissed out during this process…it was so sweet and loving. Your daughter is an artist in the making with art work on your head:) God Bless
5 Things:
You are beautiful.
Your husband is the sweetest.
Your daughter is precious.
Your mom rocks.
I cried for your hair, mostly for your baby not wanting you to loose your hair.
6. Thank you.
What a beautiful video…so difficult for you all, yet full of joy. I love watching you and your family interact – your husband, mom, daughter. Praying for you.
Ashley…you are a phenomenal woman and so lucky to have so many people to stand beside you through your journey!! Through your writing you portray just how beautiful you are…inside and out!!
I love the video, what a great memory it will be when you look back on it years down the road. =)
This made me cry!! You are such a beautiful woman!! Inside and out. You are so strong and inspiring! Your mother is very sweet to go through that with you. Best of luck!
Unbelieveably beautiful! You are so strong, thank you for sharing your story.
you amaze me. thank you for sharing this special moment with all of us. my heart is going to burst with prayers and love for you and your sweet family!
I’m amazed and impressed and inspired by your (and your mom’s!) grace and strength and courage and thank you for sharing this with us. If anything, without hair, you just look even more beautiful and the beauty in your face is more obvious.
Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way.
-Mel the Crafty Scientist
You may not feel it sometimes, but you are so brave. God bless.
You are an inspiration daily … You are always in my thoughts …
Hi:)
I’ve followed your blog for about a year now. I heard about you from Shannon at luvinthemommyhood. I don’t blog but enjoy reading others’ words and seeing crafty ideas.
Your story has touched my heart so intensely. My step-Mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer and has had surgery and is going through chemo right now. She is having such a hard time. Your blog gives me hope. Your words he’ll me know there is still positive in the midst of the negative.
Thank you for sharing your story… Your words… Your life. You have truy touched me.
This video also made me cry. My step-Mom also just shaved her hair. This video is beautiful.
Praying for you! And choosing Joy with you!
Oh, the tears. Your strength, grace and faith in the face of all of this are awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Ashley, it’s my first time leaving you a message. I’m blown away by your courage and how you inspire others throughout your battle. I’m crying just watching your video, very touching. You’re setting an excellent example for people around the world that they do not need to fear but choose to be joyful that they have their loved ones with them along the journey. Keeping you and your family in my prayers!
I admire your strength and your ability to see the positive in any situation Ashley.
Much love to you xx
Yeah….I held it together til Brett kissed you. What an amazing love and support you have around you…..and YOU!!!….man…..not a glossy eye even……inspiring and beautiful. I agree with Mel…..so proud to know you. -xo
You are a truly beautiful person. I watched this video and cried hysterically. My mother just got her first wig after 2 years of chemo. Best wishes to you and your family.
You are so amazing in so many ways. Your strength, courage and love for others is so inspiring. You are so beautiful inside and out, with or without hair your beauty radiates from you. You have inspired me to “Choose Joy”” and want to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend to the people God has so graciously put into my life. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Our family is praying for you and your family.
ps. My favorite part was when your husband kissed you too. <3 You can't help but see the love you two have for each other.
Your strength, beauty, courage, and optimism has changed my life. “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world”. Bless you on this journey!
You are so beautiful Ashley. My son watched this video with me and he said, mom she is so beautiful. Praying for you. XO
So very inspiring. I could see the pain in Mr. LBB’s eyes and the pride at the same time. Thank you for sharing your story with the world.
Ashley <3 You are beautiful. Prayers for you and your family. Praising God for the way he is using you and your story to bring more glory upon himself. Praying that others are shown how deep and wide and strong His love for us is through you. How blessed we are to be able to to show that, though Him, we can have joy even in the midst of trials. Love you, sister!
You’re beautiful, with and without hair.
Please, do me a favor and kick cancer’s ass. 😀
I found your blog when I bought one of your patterns (which I LOVE and have used many times) a couple of years ago. I have been following your blog ever since. You are such a funny, creative person. The positive outlook you keep in spite of all your trials is truly inspirational. Thank you. I will continue to keep you and your sweet family in my prayers. Choose JOY!!
Sitting here bawling…not because I’m sad, but because this video is so beautiful!! Your family is wonderfully amazing, loving and supportive. You have touched so many, and we all love you! You are truly a beautiful woman (and so is your mom)! The love between you and Mr. LBB is so evident. God bless you all. I continue to pray for your healing. Oh by the way, if those women were staring at you before during chemo, just wait ’til they get a look at you now!!! They’re really gonna stare (you’re gorgeous!) 🙂 Be prepared. Love you Ashley!!!
Wow, I am in tears. Perfect song. You are so strong to be fighting this and still be so positive. I’m sure everyone who reads your blog is inspired by you! You look great bald and when your hair grows back you looked awesome with your hair short too!
You are gorgeous! On the inside and out! I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and I can’t tell you how amazed I am by your positive attitude! Your mother is an amazing woman as well! My favorite part of the entire video, your husband kissing you! I’m filled with tears!
Wow. If that doesn’t make you cry I don’t know what will. Just beautiful and so very touching. You are gorgeous, simply gorgeous.
Beautiful inside and out!!! Loving the Solidarity and Happy that Boo has found happiness with this! I think you should chrochet (Sp) a bunch of wild hats for all of you to wear! I believe bald is a badge of honor, one that deserves more than stares and assumptions…who knows if you and your Mom are walking down the aisle of the grocery store together…which woman do you think is fighting? My assumption…BOTH! And if you are having fun with the social test…you should hold hands and skip everywhere…choose Joy!
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! Thanks for sharing!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a wonderful and inspiring video.
Thanks so much for sharing.
God Bless!
This time I have no words, I’m so touched by your video. So beautiful.
Tears. You are the most brave person I know. I could not have done that with a smile on my face. You are AMAZING!! And so is your family and support system that surrounded you today. Thank you for sharing your life with us! My heart swells with love for you!
Our thoughts are with you, too, Mr. LBB.
Ashley, you’re truly an amazing person. Your strength and courage are contagious. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..comes to mind when I think about you. I’m so proud to be able to follow you and watch you thrive and Choose Joy…we can all learn a lesson from you and your story. Thank You. I will continue to pray for you and your family. What a support system you have..you are truly blessed.
You are amazing…..and absolutely beautiful…..You are in my prayers…always…
That was beautiful. You are so blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing support group.
you are gorgeous with the shaved head, your family is beautiful….praying for you!
Thank you for sharing those nervous/sacred/special moments with us. You are beautiful. I love how your husband looks at you! Praying for you and your sweet family!
Tears are flowing… you are an amazingly brave woman!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been following your story for several months now and I wish I had words to say how proud I am of you. I hope that if I ever have to go through such a trying time I have 1/10 of the courage, strength, and joy you show. Your faith and joy show through the screen. I don’t cry at movies, but this video made me ugly-cry. Thank you for sharing your story. You are in my prayers daily.
You look beautiful with or without hair!
“Breathe Me” is one of my favorite songs, but it makes me so much more likely to cry. This is a very special and beautiful moment to have captured, and thank you for sharing it with us. You are so amazing and I think of you often whenever I am being grumpy or selfish. Then I Choose Joy instead 🙂
I am going to say exactly what everyone else already has but I want you to hear it one more time…you are awesome! And your husband is tha bomb! And clearly you get all your bravery from your mom!
Absolutely amazing! I hope that I would have half the grace you have! I watched this with my family and we all are in awe!
You truly are a force to be reckoned with!!! As always you inspire me. Xo
Your even More Beautiful! Your my Hero. Thank you for sharing, I quietly follow along and pray for you and your family every day. Your a Simply Beautiful Family inside and out. Stay Strong. Jamie
I am so so proud of Ashley, I can’t stop crying…Boo is so lucky to have such a brave, beautiful and strong mommie…
Such an amazing video! I’m sitting her with tears streaming down my cheeks. What a truly wonderful family & support system you have!
Wow! You did it! It looks amazing!
What an incredible life you are living.
Ashley,
I have a daughter named Lola who has alopecia. She randomly looses her hair because of this condition. So far, she has handled it with grace and beauty. Much like I saw from u in this amazing video. Like Lola and I talk about all the time…it’s just hair. Jesus knows how many we have or dont have on our heads. The fiery fight to take on the hand you’ve been dealt is what I admire in u and in my Lola! Strength is the name of the game… So go get em’ 😉
I held it together until Mr. LBB came in to kiss you. Then I laughed when Boo drew that big smiley face. Your family and the love you have for one another is beautiful. Lots of love to all of you!
AMAZING!!!! You are so strong, and your family is so beautiful. I couldn’t finish watching the video, I am at work working overnights in the ER, and I started to cry. You send out such a positive message, and I think that anyone who is just starting the process can gain strength through your journey.
Oooo that was hard to get through. I definitely lost it when you and your hubs kissed. Gosh, your family is so amazing. The strength you guys have! ahhh you’re amazing. Love ya Ash.
You are so beautiful! (as I’m sobbing)
So moving…. So touching…. What strength! You are amazing. Your mom is amazing. Your story is amazing. You are so going to kick that cancer’s butt! 🙂
Bawling!! Oh, your precious family- Mr. LBB sitting there with tears in his eyes and then tenderly kissing you and shaving the last bit. I love your attitude and strength. You inspire me every day!
Touched my soul….your the BEST! Absolutely beautiful! XO
Ashley, your inspiration, hope, joy, courage and beauty is amazing. God Bless you and your family.
Ashley…you are bright spot in the truth about cancer! Your mother rocks for going bald with you;0) What a supportive “family” you have-Sienna is a hoot girl;0) She has such strong role models-I know that GOD has a plan and I pray for your healing! 3 generations of spunk-God bless you Ashley;0)
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! My grandmother is battling cancer as well and I know how hard it’s been for her to lose her hair. Your story is truly inspirational. Because of you I remember to choose joy, even in the difficult times. Thank you! Veronica
Your are just as beautiful bald. I have been following your journey recently and find it truly inspiring. You are truly an amazing person and thank you for sharing it with us.
This video has left me speechless. What a beautiful family you have. You are touching many lives by sharing this experience. I’ve been reading your blog for a short time and I’m so thankful to have found it. I’m praying for you and your family.
Oh boy, this is beautiful & amazing. Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration.
Oh my, how did you not cry!? I cried, not because I was sad but because watching this is so inspiring. You are beautiful inside and out and yes, the best part was seeing your husband kiss you, supersweet.
Praying for you!!
Wow that was amazing, it really took my breath away. The love you all share is wonderful. You are truly beautiful inside and out. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Love and hugs
You have to kick this cancer’s ass !! You already kick everybody’s ass at being so strong and positive. No way you can’t win, especially with all that love around you.
Much love and a big smile being the tears! Your mom is just so awesome and boo so courageous.
HUgs
Caroline
PS: continued prayers for your and your family
(((((ASHLEY))))))
BALD IS BEAUTIFUL AND SO ARE YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY!!!
Praying for you and for them as you fight and beat this wicked cancer!!
God bless!
Love in Christ!
Kelly D < 🙂
Wow what a moving video…tears here too. You are an amazing person and absolutely beautiful!
You are amazing! You and your family will be in my prayers!!!
You are AMAZING! …I don’t know you well, but you are one of the most beautiful people I have seen…inside and out. Thank you for sharing your journey and your hope.
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months and am so inspired by your attitude and your commitment to “choose joy” in spite of everything. Your mom’s selflessness brought tears to my eyes, and they continued as I watched the video. You have so many wonderful people in your life who love you and support you. Thanks for sharing such an intimate part of your life with complete strangers.
You have the most wonderful, supportive, beautiful family and friends. You look gorgeous with or without hair, not many people look good bald , but you truly look spectacular !! ♥♥♥ God bless ALL of you ♥
Wow. Words cannot describe how touched I am by you, your family and your courage. You are amazing. You are an inspiration to all…those battling cancer, and those who just sometimes “sweat the small stuff” instead of counting their blessings. I follow your amazing work, but do not know you. Still you have touched my life. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and keep smiling. You are beautiful.
You are an amazing woman! I am in awe of your strength, courage and selfless-ness…. I think of you and your family everyday… Know that lil ol me in British Columbia, Canada is praying for you. I want someone to put you’re story on TV an spread the ‘joy’ and the positive attitude you have. MANY people could learn a thing or two from you.
<3
Wow, my first time to your blog and what a strong moment. I am awash in emotion. I have a 4 year old girl so to see your daughter doodle afterwards made the greatest impact; she was a part of the experience, helping bring joy in her own way. And both you and your mother are beautiful. strong, vibrant women. You have a wonderful teacher and role model. My mother would have done the same for me too.
So here’s a prayer that I say over my daughter every night before I kiss her – May God bless you, keep you safe, healthy, happy and strong. May you grow up to have a strong mind, a heart full of compassion, and a soul bursting with joy. I will add you to my prayers.
Peace ~ Jennifer
more tears. i love that your mom did it first, so you didn’t have to. i love your hubby kisses and that boo was there helping!
YOU are beautiful!
Ashley- you are truly gorgeous! Choose joy!
That video is so precious. You are so strong, and so loved. It was wonderful to see the support you have. Thank you for sharing your so very personal moments. I am rooting for you everyday!
You’re beautiful!!!!!! This was so moving…your strength is amazing my friend!!!!!
Absolutely an inspiration. You.
I experienced so many emotions in a short five minute video.
Continuing to pray for your entire family.
Oh beautiful Ashley, it takes a lot to move me to tears but you have managed to do it (in a major way!). This video was so incredibly touching – seeing your gorgeous, selfless mother, your caring and concerned husband, and sweet little Boo in all of her curious innocence was just about too much for me to handle. You have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo
PS – I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen a HOTTER bald woman!!!
This is my first time commenting on your blog because I’m so emotional for you right now. You look beautiful without hair and I’m so happy that you have somehow managed to stay strong on the outside for your daughter. What a loving husband to reassure you during such a hard time (I know it’s just hair but I would have been in tears for days after such events). I am praying for you now and always, God is good! Blessings,
Jessica
I’ve never commented before but you are so amazing and brave and positive. You are truly an inspiration…I’m still wiping away tears!
So many emotions from this heartbreakingly beautiful video. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us. You have touched so many lives. It is also easy to see that you get a lot of your beauty and grace from your amazing mama. What a wonderful thing for her to do.
I so admire your courage, You are teaching us all how to face a challenge. I was hoping you would have time to check out this site TheOrganicSister ,com she and about 6 other ladies ,all your age just shaved their heads. They aren’t facing a challenge like yours but its nice to see how popular your new style has become! ;0)
I just couldn’t control the tears watching this video. I completely lost it…. overwhelmed by your incredible strength, your vulnerability, the way your daughter looks at you, the fierce love of your husband who fights each day with you… all of it was breathtaking. I only know you by name. And I would like to think I could be as strong as you if faced with something like Cancer… but you just don’t know til you get there. I applaud you for the woman you were, the woman you are today and for the woman that each day is ushering you into. Sending much love your way from Denver, CO. : )
Amanda
god, my tears won’t stop! It just makes me so upset that people have to go through such hardships. while others are just thinking about themselves and their own pleasures, there are people like you and your family that are really going through hardships. Your daughter was really strong. i’m surprised that she wasn’t crying through the whole video. Hair is a very important thing to a young child so i’m sure it was very emotional to her. I’ve never said anything like this before and i don’t know who you are, but i’m going to pray for you. You’re Beautiful.
You truley are beautiful, inside and out! To see the love from your family, and the strength of you as a mother and the example you are to that little girl. Thank you for sharing such a touching story and time in your life. All my love!
SO powerful.. and loving.. all involved.
How beautiful! You have me in tears. I love that Sienna signed your head. 😉 You’re simply gorgeous, inside and out. Thank you for continuing to share your story.
Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. You are truly inspirational.
You are so beautiful. You and your family is such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
God Bless you all!
yep, tears here too. sweetest video ever. thanks for sharing! oh, and you are BEAUTIFUL!
Wow. I was holding it together okay until your sweet, beautiful mama came in for that hug. You are the most beautiful bald woman I’ve ever seen. Keep smiling that gorgeous smile. I’m praying!!
Thank you for sharing this! You are truly amazing and inspiring. I’ve always seen your wonderful creative designs, but just started reading your blog. Wow, what an inspiration you are to me! I pray that if I am ever in your situation, that I will be able to choose Joy daily like you do! Thank you for sharing your life with strangers like me! I can’t imagine the people you are blessing by being so open and honest with what’s going on. I cried all the way through this video, but couldn’t help but think how great of a memory it will be for you and your family! What a great mom you have that she would be willing to go bald with you! This was too sweet and you are truly beautiful inside and out! Thank you!
I’ve been following your Cancer Chronicles, quietly, since the beginning. I would like to let you know that I admire you and your family and friends for sharing such an intimate time in your lives. We had a very similar ceremony at home when my Mum decided to shave her head due to Ductal Carcinoma (2 years in Remission now) and I think I started crying at the very beginning of your video due to all the emotions resurfacing. It is therapeutic. Keep fighting xxx
What an amazing video! Thank you for sharing it with us! I was telling my Mom about you tonight and your amazing story. By the time I we started watching the video we were both in tears. I love that your Mom would shave her head so you didn’t have to go through it alone, she is amazing and beautiful just like you! Boo is lucky to have such amazing women to look up too! May God bless you and bring you a speedy recovery!!
You know, I started getting teary reading your last post, and I thought, why am I crying? I’m crying because losing your hair makes the cancer real. Not that it was never “real” before, but this makes it more visible. Then I read this post. Exactly. Now you “look” like you have cancer. But, like you said, the chemo is WORKING and *that’s* what this really means. The video is bitter sweet. As I watch it, I feel all sorts of emotions that I’m sure were felt in that salon, today. The joy that you feel in knowing that the treatment is working, the fear of the unknown, the sadness that results from suffering, and the strength that comes from taking control over something that could otherwise control you. You would eventually lose all your hair, and you could let it go strand by strand in a sad and slow process, or you can do what you did and take a bold an courageous leap and shave your head in one big swoop. The fact that your mom shaved her’s without you knowing, is an incredible act of love. I think I am so moved by your story, not only because of our age, and common qualities in community and crafting, but because we are both mothers and we are both daughters. As I read your cancer chronicles and Boo’s reaction to each step of this journey, I always imagine myself on the same journey with my little family and my 5yr old girl. It just absolutely breaks my heart. I could only hope that I would have your strength and courage and incredible faith and spirit. It’s no wonder the love among all of you comes through in this video. Your family is bursting with love and warmth. Again, you are such an inspiration. Love to all of you!
so amazing ashley, I want you to know I let my 4 year watch this.. we are very real with her about everything and she wept and wept for you and what you and boo are going through and as much as a 4 year old can understand she took it all in, and simply said “I want her to be better so she can stay best friends with boo!”.. we’re clearly all pulling for you!
-xo
Wow! That was one of the hardest to watch and most beautiful videos I have ever seen!
Your strength is inspiring.
I needed a beautiful heartfelt cry today, thank you. <3
You are such a strong a beautiful woman.
You are so beautiful! Seriously, gorgeous. You are like the girls on america’s top model – they always have the most beautiful ones shave their heads because they are beautiful enough to pull it off and you my friend, are one of the most beautiful ones.
I’m bawling like a baby!!!!! You are amazing… you really are! Most touching video ever… I so felt the love <3!
Beautiful! I never saw cancer …I only saw love! How beautiful to have such a loving family!
What a wonderful Mom and daughter you have.. you are an awesome young lady.. I did get choked up watching your sweet husband. I have your bracelet on right now and I think of you everytime I look at it.
Thank you for sharing such a private moment with all of us. It was truly an inspirational video- so real. AMAZING is all I can say.
Continuing to pray for you and for your family.
Oh wow!! you look seriously modelesque with no hair..Those cheekbones are gorgeous …You should’ve done it years ago ! You totally rocking the look …
i just recently am following your journey, i watched this video and you are such a brave amazing inspiration. I am praying for you and your family. You are beautiful
Ashley,
You are an amazing person!!!! Simply, all I can say is thank you for all your posts, pictures & mostly this video!!! Thank you. You are in my daily prayers 🙂
Amanda
You are stunning…..hair or no hair. Think and pray for you daily.
tears here too. you are beautiful ashley–inside and out!
A woman with the rare radiance you have can totally pull of no hair. You look stunning! And three cheers for the chemo working!
I love your mom! I think that is the sweetest thing. You are the most beautiful bald ladies I have every seen. Thank you for sharing such a personal moment.
I just ran across your blog via pinterest and just read through your whole cancer chronicles. You have been through so much and your attitude is amazing. I had cancer in 2008, (Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 3), and reading everything you are going through reminded me of so much. I went through the same thing with my hair, and finally shaved it off myself before it got too thin and straggly. I remember calling my mom before I did it, and her offering to do it too. I wouldn’t let her 🙂 My head got cold too, but my chihuahua would often sleep across my head at night, I think he knew! (otherwise, scarves worked great!) And Neulasta pain…oh did I have Neulasta pain too! I have often thought I needed to write about everything I went through, and just haven’t done it. Having gone through something like that never leaves you!
Your strength, faith, family and friends, and love of life will kick cancers butt! I pray for your recovery and health! Your writing about this will be helpful to so many others, and thank you for sharing your story!
Be well and always choose joy!
You inspire me beyond words! Thank you for choosing joy….
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I found your website through Pinterest, an inspirational friend of mine had posted your video and upon watching it, I’ve come to find that you have also become an inspiration to me. You are so beautiful and your strength is such a motivation to those of us who have the opportunity to watch this video. Thank you. Keep strong, girlfriend, and keep smiling. I wish you and your family all the best.
Wow, you really look great. (And I’m totally not just saying that you make you feel better). And just think, as it starts to grow out you can experiments with all sorts of looks- from the boy short pixie, to a bob, and eventually back to long. Oh the possibilities!
Thank you for posting such an intimate and special video. Like others have said before me, it brought tears to my eyes.
You are the most beautiful person I know, inside and out. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
xo,
Heather
What an amazing video. Thank you for sharing a special moment. You look so beautiful! I actually think without hair your eyes look even more amazing than before!
ashley. oh my gosh! i can’t stop crying! i hope my keyboard doesn’t short out on me. wow. from the start i had tears streaming down my face, then when mr. lbb shows up giving you a kiss i lost it…and just when i didn’t think i could lose it anymore, your beautiful mom shows up in the video with her shaved head and as the tears were streaming down my face a little sound came out of me with crazy tears! moms are the best!!!!!!! despite all that is going on, this video oozed love and inspiration, and hope. and wow, boo…what a trooper she is. she is a reflection of all of you. i am so glad that she took it well and that face at the end on your beautiful head…priceless. aaaacks. these gosh darn tears are just streaming!
i am glad you are surrounded by love and beautiful people. big hugs to all of you. i continue to send you healing & love. my prayers are with you. 🙂
thank you for having such courage to share all of this with us. did you know, since you’ve shared all of this, i haven’t plucked a grey hair out of my head? he he he! so trivial compared to you. i know. 😉
and while this is so surface compared to all the emotional and physical things you are going through, i have to say, that you are just gorgeous. you are blessed with a good heart, wonderful family, a fighting spirit, and beautiful genes!!!!!!!!
love, love your mother for me.
huuuuuuge hugs and aloha to you!
The tears won’t stop, so excuse any typos I make. You’re Mom….oh my goodness what an angel. Your Husband’s kisses, your daughter’s participation and your entire Support Group of amazing people. Such a beautiful and amazing woman, you are. And…..perfectly gorgeous craniums run in your Family for sure *Ü*
beautifully moving
You look stunning
♥
Keep fighting
You are so beautiful and positive…thank you for sharing such a moment with us.
ugh!! you are awesome. I love you!
that was absolutely amazing. how incredibly special to have captured the wonder and JOY in your daughter’s eyes; the love and JOY in your husband’s eyes; the comfort and JOY in your mother’s eyes; and the strength and JOY in your own eyes. You are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. I would love to share this with my friends if it’s okay with you. Much love to all of you! ♥
You are truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband, mother, daughter & friends!! You are ALL beautiful!!!!!!
Just wanted to let you know that I heard a testimony from a person at church that had the same thing you have. After cemo treatments, she has been cancer free for 20 years. I think about you all the time. Since I started reading your blog, we found in Dec. that my dad has lung cancer. He started cemo treatment on Jan. 5. I told him to read your blog because you have shared your heart and I thought it would encourage him. He enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your journey. My prayers are with you and your family.
You are an inspiration. I shed tears as I watched your video. Thank you for sharing your most intimate struggles and rewards. You are a blessing.
So glad.that Boo is fine with your hair going now. You are such a beautiful woman and you and your mum totally rock the no hair thang!
I recently came across your blog and can’t help myself from coming back again and again as your story is incredible. You are so strong. So inspirational.
That video is amazing.
you look beautiful. your positive outlook is amazing. thank you for sharing it with me/us.
that has to be the most touching video I’ve ever seen. You’re amazing ashley and your family, just amazing. I wish I could have a tenth of your strength.
oh and that song, it’s so perfect, from my favorite show of all time.
Dear Ashley,
you look beautiful, with or without hair.
My daughter had her really, really long hair cut this summer, and the stylist recommended to send it to locks of love.
http://www.locksoflove.org/
Perhaps Boo can let it go when she knows it goes to a child in need? She seems to be such a loving thing – I could imagine that would please her.
They even send you a certificate she (and you) could keep.
Greetings, and all my best wishes,
Tina
Was balling my eyes out – the love in your family is inspirational and you are a beautiful person inside and out with so much strength! you look stunning 🙂
Ashley, you are such a beautiful person and your hair certainly is not going to change that one bit, it shines out from your soul. How lucky Sienna is to have you as her mother and all the lessons you are teaching her through this about life, love, courage and choosing joy. I’m sure that it isn’t easy but the way you are choosing to handle yourself is truly inspiring. I knew what I was going to see in this video, and I read about how others were crying over it and I didn’t expect to be so affected by it, but the moment that pink ribbon came out the tears started falling. It’s incredible to me how you are documenting this process and how beautiful such a potentially ugly thing (cancer) is being dealt with. The joy just emanates from you in every way. Thank you for the lessons you are teaching me and all of us. I think about you and your family every day and will continue to keep you in my prayers. Keep choosing joy!
Beautiful !!! You and your family are all so amazing to me and I pray for your complete and speedy recovery. You are a light shining bright in this world and I think you are a beautiful person hair or no hair.
You are an amazing person! So strong! Please watch the documentary Food Matters. It could SAVE YOUR LIFE!
touching piece. thanks for sharing your journey. you have been a tremendous witness of courage and faith.
continued prayers for you and your dear family.
pax Christi, lena
…absolutely a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for sharing your story; truly an inspiration.
In My Prayers,
SHaY
You are amazing! And beautiful with or without hair! All the best for your journey fighting this despicable disease – praying for you.
Tears streaming here too…
Words can not express enough how eloquent and poignant and fabulous I think you are and your husband and Sienna and that beautiful mother of yours are too… much love to you as always from across the miles…
Such a touching video…thanks for sharing. Sitting here crying, I think that’s all I have been doing this week. Such a loving family you have. You are amazing. Hope to meet you one day, we live so close.
I started following you a couple of months ago. Just right before you went in for your surgery. You are such a great example on how to live life. Your faith and beauty are amazing to me. You and your family are in my prayers.
Like many others, your video brought tears to my eyes. Wow. What beauty and strength. Thanks for sharing such a moment.
Stay strong.
Choose joy.
We are cheering for you. 🙂
Amazing video. You can tell both you and your husband are being brave, but what an awesome experience. (It probably doesn’t feel that way. It probably feels scary and sad and… all that.) Thanks for being open enough to share it with the world.
You are such an inspiration…along with your precious family.
It’s about so much more then hair Ashley. You and your whole family are an inspiration. I think of you often.
After I read all the comments saying they cried, I almost decided not to watch this, since I really hate to cry. Now that I am leaking. I can only breath in and breath out.
<3 Your beautiful!
Such an awesome video Ash. We love you, Brett and Sienna and send tons of love and prayers.
♥ the Lilores
WOW! My eyes are NOT dry! So courageous!
Ashley, you are so amazing! I think you look incredibly strong- like you’re gonna kick cancer’s butt.
Lots of love from Germany!
seriously you are one awesome chic… I think you and your mom are just stunningly beautiful!!!!!!!
Wow what a wonderful video. It`s so beautiful to see the love in your hubby`s eyes and to see that both he and your daughter were able to be part of this right of passage. Your mom looks great with her shaved head too. Very beautiful women in your family with or without hair! Love and prayers sent your way…hugs xox
I want to say something eloquent but the tears are pouring down my face. Just know everyday how absolutely incredible you are. Sending lots of love, healing energy & light.
I can’t lie. I cried. Hard. And now my throat hurts. The love in that video is palpable.
You are beautiful and brave. Love to you, my friend.
PS…I forgot to say you & your Mom look beautiful.
What is the name of that song & the Artist. It sounds like my girl Tori Amos but I’m not sure.
What a video! I watched it with my husband and we were both very touched ! Keep your spirits high, you will get through this and kick cancers ass!! God Bless
Awesome. You and your Mom look gorgeous. The love you share is so beautiful.
Okay, seriously, I must be a giant baby. You guys were all so strong and had so much fun! I balled like a baby the whole time I watched. So beautiful. You are beautiful. Your beautiful mother, what a wonderful and supportive mother. Your husband was there helping, daughter there loving you, friends and family. That’s where it’s at. The video was wonderful. Have to go get some tissue now.
Hugs, love and healing to you.
You are such a strong woman & so is your mom! The love from your daughter, husband, mother and family brings tears to my eyes 🙂
You are the most beautiful person I know! Your positive outlooks is so inspiring. Your mom is amazing too….shaving her head so you wouldn’t be first..WOW! Prayers for your whole family.
WOW…..You are an amazingly beautiful person inside and out! That was a very emotional video…..it shows what an amazing family you have, too!! To have your mom to commit to such a selfish act before you…..wow- she must be a very very special person!!! Thanks for sharing! (And you two are two of the most beautiful bald women I have EVER seen!!!!)
Ashley! that was so moving (sat here in tears) wow what a brave and couragous woman you are! you go girl and kick Cancer’s butt!!
You have a wonderful family and the love in your husbands eyes says it all xx
Stay strong sweetie…all my love and prayers for you from the uk xx
Katie from lillyandboo
You are absolutely beautiful and such an inspiration. Watching this video brought tears to my eyes (and streaming down my face). Your mother is so sweet! I think it’s great that everyone had a chance to participate in a bit of shaving. You look just as gorgeous without hair as you did with hair. Stay strong!
You are so talented and so incredibly strong. Your story is really inspirational and I feel like I know you, even though I’m sitting here thousands of miles away in Australia. Every time I read your blog I wonder how you manage to fit so much into your life, it’s unbelievable. I feel like saying ‘if it’s too much, just have a break from the blogging’ but at the same time I would be worried sick if I didn’t ‘hear’ from you! I wear my ‘Shine’ necklace with pride and feel inspired every time I put it on. Love to you all, Megan
I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now but have never commented. After watching that video I couldn’t possibly NOT comment. That was one of the most beautiful, breathtaking things I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing your journey with the world.
Oh my goodness, Ashley. Tears streaming down my face. That was beautiful–as are you with no hair. So touching and so emotional. You’re strength and courage and positive attitude never cease to amaze me. Continued prayers…
You are truely an amazing human being. Thank you for sharing your story and for being so strong. You and your family are fantastic and such an inspiration.
Ashley, I’ve never seen anything more moving in my life. You. are. beautiful. Inside AND out. Wow. Sienna is so fortunate to be surrounded by courageous, fearless, and truly inspirational women like you and your mom. Thank you for the gift you’ve given to all of your readers and fans. You have touched all of us in ways that we probably don’t even know yet. You are amazing! (and so is your sense of humor!) CHOOSE JOY!
You are touching so many people, you are amazing, and brave. Prayers to you and your sweet family. XOXO
you are amazing. the video is beautiful (and made me cry). you can see the love radiating between you & your family. you are strong and amazing. thank you so much for sharing your journey in such a personal way.
sending love & joy your way!
I just want to tell you that I think you might look more beautiful bald than with your long pretty hair! Wear it proud. We are all pulling for you.
Buckets of tears!! What a great video! That is the sweetest thing I have ever seen. When your husband comes up to kiss you and everyone takes a turn to shave your head – and your mom?! Ahh! The whole thing is breathtaking! The best part of it being you. You look beautiful. Thank you for sharing and being a constant reminder to enjoy life:)
This video is so beautiful. Your mom is awesome for shaving her head first. You are awesome for shaving yours with a smile. You are an excellent reminder that our circumstances do not have to affect our level of joy…you can just choose it 🙂 You look beautiful with a shaved head.
That was beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Beautiful. Faithful. Inspirational. I love the smile on your face throughout the entire video. Your mom rocks! Keep on, girly, keep on!
You are absolutely beautiful and I sat here in tears watching your video. Prayers are with you as you continue this journey.
God Bless you Ashley! This video is so touching. Praying for you my friend. Hugs, Michelle
PS… Seriously, you are GORGEOUS!!
Ashley,
YOU are STRIKINGLY BEAUTIFUL!
And COURAGEOUS!
Your mother is THE BEST, and your hubby and daughter are so very SUPPORTIVE.
I loved this video. You are so open re: sharing the roller coaster of emotions you are experiencing.
I have been following your Blog for quite awhile.
Please keep your POSITIVE attitude. I include you and your family in my prayers every night. 🙂
You are beautiful and your strength is inspiring!
Beautiful video story. Left me in tears! I will be praying for you along the way. Hey- you have a beautiful head! You would not want to see mine shaved under any circumstance!!! =))
Thank you for sharing! This video is amazing! And I’m glad Boo was ok with it 🙂 God Bless!
I am just so inspired by you and your grace and dignity throughout your journey with Cancer. I was moved by tears from this video. You are truly blessed witha loving family and husband. It is so obvious to even people who don’t know you that your husband loves you. God is good, all the time and all the time God is good.
Your video today was truly amazing!! Having gone through the same experience last year losing my hair, it brought back to me all of the raw emotions I went through. Seeing you with your beautiful daughter, husband and mother there made me remember just how important it is to have the people you love share the journey with you. You took what I know can be a sad and depressing experience and turned it into a positive moment for all of you. I found that when I was bald, the best thing to keep my head warm was a cap my friend made me from an old worn cotton teeshirt. I look forward to meeting you soon and giving you a copy of “Turning Heads”.
Debbie Green
You blow me away eachand every time with your courageousness!! I couldn’t help but cry during this video because it truly hits home for personal reasons. Tell your husband he’s doing such a GREAT job and to hang in there. 😉 You are bless to have such a loving wonderful and supportive family. I will continue to pray for you and your family. God bless you all. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. <3
I too am of course crying after seeing the video. The music got me too. You are right. It is just hair. You really do look beautiful bald. I laughed when you said you looked like a manaquin…. you sort of do, but it’s only because your head is perfect and you have the face of a model.
I am 33, with two girls and I don’t have cancer. My life is pretty simple and I struck by your amazing positive attitude. I want to follow the positive example that you are setting. I want to really embrace joy and really truly be greatful for all my blessings. I am so envious of your strength. You are such an amazing and INSPIRING woman. I have followed you blog, for craft reasons for a while, but I have always enjoyed your positivity. I can’t wait to read your post that says you are officially cancer-free. I KNOW it is coming.
You are amazing and so incredibly gorgeous. Praying for you, lovely Ash!
Oh, beautiful Ashley…
I have been following your story and today I felt called to check in on you. I read your post and saw and cried through the entire video. I am so moved by your character, your strength, and the overwhelming love and support of your mother and husband along with Boo’s ability to embrace this event with artistic expression. You and your momma are both stunning {seriously…y’all are gorgeous!}
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. For allowing us in. You are so inspiring- and have truly touched my heart and so many others. I will continue to pray for you, and your lovely family.
Lots of love + prayers…
xxoo,
Melissa
Just BEAUTIFUL! just awesome your support system is wonderful. i hope for nothing but the best for u and your family. you are a inspirationto us all
Dearest Ashley – what a moving video. I know this blog has taken a direction that you never even imagined; He obviously has major plans for you and made you His messenger for many. Thank you again for chronicling your most intimate moments for the world to see. ~hugs~
PS…you look gorgeous!!!…and your mom is a total doll!!!
continue to think of and pray for you and your beautiful family. this is just one more step toward healing! can’t wait for the day you post that the Cancer is Gone!!
Wow Ashley, tears are filling my eyes! You are absolutely beautiful on the inside and out. I am in awe of your beauty. You have a true gift to touch the lives of others and there is no doubt in my mind that God is using you in a very special way. May God bless you and heal you. I have been praying for you from the beginning of your journey and I will continue to pray for you and your family! Your mom is also an amazing inspiration!
XO
You are TRULY beautiful inside and out. You are helping so many people. What an inspiration. Thinking and praying for you.
Tears here, too. You are beautiful, and every day I can’t help but think about how lucky we all are that you are sharing yourself and your family with us. Thank you!
Your video brought tears to my eyes. It was beautiful, and both you and your mom look beautiful without hair. Such pretty faces!
Thank you so much for sharing such a personal experience with us. It is so inspirational to see the support and love of your friends and family (especially the sweet kisses from hubby)! btw, You look absolutely stunning!
I am so proud of you. You are fighting hard, giving all of you the best chance you can at having a strong, healthy future together. You are beautiful, Ashley, inside and out. I am praying hard to soon hear that cancer is gone, and you are well again. Hang tough, stay the course. I am behind you a million percent.
My beautiful husband was never more handsome than when we shaved his head during chemo. He was strong, dedicated and devoted, the most amazing man in the universe. He was a warrior.
You are a warrior too. Don’t ever forget that!
xox
Remember, it’s just hair. I will grow back. The important part is killing the cancer cells so they don’t ever, ever, ever come back.
And I love your mom. Let me know if you want a woman in NY to keep you company. I will shave my head in half a heartbeat if it makes your journey one tiny bit less difficult. Holler, and the buzzy thing will meet my scalp!!
Amazing video. It was beautiful and brought a lot of tears. Thanks for sharing your journey – its inspirational. You look amazing!
Oh my. Tears are still running down my face. My kids heard me crying and came to watch too. So many questions, hard to answer them. I can’t imagine how you are answering them to your own sweet girlie.
Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with me. Changed me more than I can even put in words.
OK…NOW I’m crying! It is amazing how your beauty is able to shine through now (without hair) more than ever!
You are in a circle of love in this video. It is important and brave sharing that you do here–with your family, with the world.
xoxo
Tears will not stop streaming down my face. Just reminds me of when my Dad lost all his hair from chemo. Stay Strong, it’s Mind over Matter I believe! Thank you for sharing with all of us.
Your ability to make this milestone so special for Boo is a testiment to how strong and beautiful you are – inside AND out. The love your mom and husband have for you – double wow. I’m inspired by the way you are choosing joy.
Strong women you are!
This is a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of life. I have donated my hair twice and I am growing out for a third time. It is so humbling that you want to donate your hair and are still thinking about others. You have such an amazing attitude.
watched your video and cried this morning. you are one strong and beautiful lady!truly an inspiration! keep fighting!!!
You are such an amazing person! I will keep you and your sweet family in my prayers. Thank you so much for sharing this intimate part of your journey with us. I don’t know how you didn’t cry the whole time. <3 and hugs from NM.
You are so amazing and inspirational! I only hope that I have half of your strength through the tribulations my life might bring me. The love surrounding you is breathtaking.
Just watched this video with tears in my eyes and my two girls sitting next to me (ages 10 & 6)…at first they didn’t know what was going on, but I had to explain to them what happens when people get sick and take certain medicine and makes their hair fall out, but that you decided to shave it off. They admired you and commented how beautiful you are. My younger girl loved when lil boo was painting on your head….that was funny and touching at the same time. You are being such a great inspiration to everyone even little girls! May God continue to fill your heart with healing, peace and love. May your family continue to be a big knot around you to keep you strong and full of love. Thinking and praying for you! BTW, you and your mom look beautiful! Thanks for sharing this journey with us. sending warm hugs!
That cancer doesn’t stand a chance!!! Love you so much (Mr. LBB and Boo, too)! Your strength and faith never cease to amaze me!!! Prayers are flying all over the place for you. Hugs and kisses and much love from GA. I don’t have to tell you to keep fighting because I know you will. Just know that you have prayer warriors EVERYWHERE!!!!
Love,
Kiki
I have never seen hope in action the way I have with you. You have inspired me beyond words, and I feel so lucky to be along for this ride with you. You are drop-dead gorgeous too!
At the end of the video when your precious family were all posing for the pictures I couldn’t help but think one thing “beautiful” then the very last shot of you looking around over your shoulder just screamed “strong”. I thought it summed you up perfectly – you are beautiful and you are strong. In all that you do you glorify God Ashley.
Okay, I cried. But because it was beautiful. I just hope I can do this with as much grace as you did.
You. You are a beacon of hope. I am humbled by your grace.
You are so beautiful. I can’t believe how beautiful you are without any hair!!! Loved this. You are such an inspiration for so many. Keep strong! We are praying for you!
I sobbed as Mr.LBB kissed you. You have this amazing light about you. You are so brave!
I think I commented on twitter last night, but let me comment here.. You are beautiful, and so is your entire family.. How blessed you all are in the midst of the unknown you have each other, and the love is so strong.
There are many ways you are changing the world Ashley.
Love and light to you
Jennifer Erwin
So, I was sitting here thinking how beautiful you are and how hard it must be to lose your hair…and then I watched the video…girl, you are totally rockin’ the bald look! You look GORGEOUS! You just hang in there…like you’ve said on your blog before…it’s just hair. It will grow back. In the meantime, you hold your head up high and Work It! You look fab!
Touching, beautiful, inspiring. You still look gorgeous(your mom does too).
Amazing!! It’s so great that you filmed it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that your mom also shaved her head..and that she did it before you did yours. You are such a strong woman and I love that you are using your blog to share with us what is happening.
Ashley-you are more beautiful than any supermodel EVER! You are my hero.
omg. ich muss weinen.
i must cry…you’re wonderful and amazing. i wish you good luck!!
I’m totally crying! You and your mom are beautiful!!!
You are quite simply one of the most inspiring web on the web.
Ashely, God is using you in ways you may never know! Keep sharing your beauty, inside and out! HE loves you so much and so do we! xoxox
Let me try that again:) darn iPhone .. You are quite simply one of the most inspiring women on the web.. I have followed your blog for years as a source of creativity, but I now look forward to it to remember to choose joy and the positive in all of the good and bad in the world.
You AND your family are so inspiring! What a touching video…loved seeing the love and support of your family in this video. Just beautiful! Praying for you Ashley!
I shared this on my blog today. I hope that is okay.
http://www.em-il-ie.com/2012/01/sunshine-saturdayon-sunday.html
beautiful….
You are beautiful
You are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing this video with all of us. I stumbled across your facebook page a few months ago in the midst of some very trying times for my family and I, and I am forever thankful to have found you. I know that God placed you and your story in my life for a reason. I constantly remind myself to Choose Joy. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. You are truly an inspiration to so many people. Thank you! <3
Tu es une croyable GRANDE DAME…
Inspirante…
Merci de partager,
Beaucoup d’amour pour vous tous,
Fanny
I’m overwhelmed by the courage you show and the love of your family & friends. It’s a beautiful thing the way they show your support. Your mom is an amazing person to share her love for you by shaving her head, wow.
I wish you the very best, keep on fighting and remember that you are a survivor.
Thank You for sharing your journey.
Wow, I don’t even know you Ashley, but I think you are one of the strongest women ever! What an empowering act, and your mom is an angel, sharing this hard step towards the process of recovery with you! Cancer be GONE, and gone for GOOD! Love the saying “Choose Joy”. Many often don’t, and I think it’s so fitting! Be strong and you will overcome! Many prayers being sent your way.
You are such an inspiration Ashley… absolutely beautiful. Thank u for sharing your story. We are all blessed to know you.
You are the most gorgeous and self giving woman I have hever “known”. What an inspiration to those going through the same thing.
i just cannot find the words that describe what is going on in my head, (they are all positive one :-)) so i would just like to send you a big hug instead….God IS blessing you, you have so much peace around you, it shows on your face…
hugs
I’ve never seen a family so true to practicing what they preach. You all certainly do Choose Joy, in even this passage you are going through now. Your dad would be so very proud of you. You are a palpable example of love. Little Boo is very lucky to be growing up with so many awesome mentors. Your mom shaving her head first, the way your husband stands by and kisses you tenderly and then your brilliant smile at a time that must have been so difficult. I admire you so much, I do believe you are changing peoples lives. My prayers and blessings. Tia
Surprise – you CHOSE JOY! I’m sitting here absolutely sobbing. Thank you for sharing that video with us. You’re an incredible pilar of strength, and WOW you and your Mom are stunning.
I am usually just a lurker on your site and have never posted. I have been following your story daily and as I sit here crying my eyes out after watching that video, I finally have to post and say that you are amazing. You are such an inspiration and of course absolutely beautiful bald. 🙂 You have a wonderful family and a fantastic mother! Sending big hugs to all of you!
You are AMAZING!!! You make me CHOOSE JOY! S x
I just came across your site today, courtesy of a link posted by a couple of photogs I follow. WOW! Your video totally brought me back to the day when my little guy shaved my head. I am happy to hear that Boo has finally accepted your new do. And, I have to say, you are absolutely beautiful bald!!! Isn’t it fantastic to be able to get ready so quick? I loved that part…and not having to shave. 🙂 You are amazing…an inspiration to all of us to CHOOSE JOY! I will be thinking of you and following your story as you continue down this {bumpy} road. Your attitude will carry you far! much love, caroline.
I don’t think I can say anything that I haven’t already said. You’re amazing, you’re beautiful, I admire you, I respect you so much. I wish I knew you in real life. You have such an amazing, amazing family. You can just see the love and admiration in the eyes of every person around you. God is truly working through you– touching the lives and hearts of thousands of people all over the world.
You are so beautiful inside and out! I think you look amazing and really tough with your new do! Hang in there girl! Sending you love and prayers from Indiana!
Wow, so amazing and beautiful. All of it, the courage, the strength, the love among friends and family, your determination, your honesty, and your positive attitude. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Lots of love, hugs, and prayers from me to you!
OH!
WOW!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute to you and your family. You have given me something bright and wonderful to focus on today. thank you for this gift.
You are so loved! How wonderful to have such a support system there with you and to be able to make such an event out of it. You look amazing too! Who would have ever thought any woman could look that beautiful shaved bald? Remember Sinead O’Connor? I was amazed at how any woman could be pretty shaved back then, but you are even prettier! You really pull off that look!!! Amazing really. I bet some strangers wonder if you did it for style, or as a statement of some kind. Your spirit and joy are even more beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with the world!
You’re gorgeous! You can really rock a bald head.
Hi Ashley,
Tears are in my eyes watching this video….you and your family are beautiful, inside and out….keep staying strong and thank you for sharing this xx
Maureen
You are an inspiration
This was so beautiful. Your family, your strength, your daughter, you…all beautiful. So inspirational.
Wow what an amazing moment for all of you. You are so blessed to have a family that completely “gets YOU.” The video brought tears of happiness to my eyes….To see so much love and happiness in a moment that could have been….. horrible.
Thank You for showing me how to “Choose Joy”
You are right when you say God choose you for this battle. He knew that you would bring light to so many of us.
Ashley-you are truly inspiring. I have been following along for awhile now and never commented but I felt like now was the time. Your upbeat, positive attitude about everything makes me want to be a better person. This video brought me into tears, you are a beautiful woman inside and out! My boyfriend’s mom is going through chemo because of breast cancer and you remind me a lot of her-you guys both are very strong women and I know you will get through this! xoxo
You are amazing and everything you have done in the past couple months has been so inspiring. I love the relationship you have with your mom, Sienna, and Mr. LBB, one can just see the love you all share. Thank you for sharing your joy and your love for life with us. You truly have made such an impact in my life and I am so grateful to have found your blog. God is good and without a doubt you are a blessing to me- Happy Sunday! – Kim
Your strength is inspiring! You are the most beautiful bald woman I have ever seen! It takes a lot to share your journey with the world! You certainly are inspiring, as is your mother! What joy to have someone so supportive in your life! God Bless you as you go on this journey and God Bless your entire family! You are in my prayers!
Dear Ashley, Wow you just continue to be an amazing inspiration to so many people, and I’m sure a comfort to some also battling cancer themselves. I stood with Lisa and watched this video through the tears. What an incredible Mom, Wife, Friend and Daughter you are. You think of everything that can help all of those around you who love you so much. Watching Sienna draw that face on your head was heart warming. You are such a beautiful woman inside and out and all of us who read your Blog are blessed. Keep fighting. Seeing your Mom and her strength and having read about your wonderful Dad, it’s no wonder you are who you are. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank You for being who you are and sharing that with so many, Cuppy
Been there, done that – twice. My head was really sore as it were bruised. The good news you don’t have to buy shampoo and you can get dressed to go out so quickly with no hair to blow-dry. And people will say the most insane things to you. I wore a scarf. Some guy said to me that I should stop wearing the scarf because “it made me look like I had cancer.” I took off the scarf and said “dude, I do have cancer.” He was mortified; I laughed. It will grow back – the same. I loved the people who insisted my hair grew back curly because of the chemo. No it grew back curly because I was born with curly hair. This too will pass. I will pray for you. I know people say that but I am a praying woman – I will. It sounds as if you have a great attitude. Roseanna
This brought me to tears! You really are soooo inspirational, happy, upbeat, and amazing! Your mom is so sweet. I would hope I would have that courage for my children. Just AMAZING!!!!!
Absolutely the sweetest thing I have ever seen. My mom has done this for many clients but none of the moments have been as sweet as this. I finally got to sit down and watch today and I am in awe of the love in that room. You (and your family) are beautiful!
You are such an awesome and courageous women.
You are so beautiful, and your mom is, too! What a wonderful, INSPIRING, encouraging, BRAVE woman you are. What an amazing video for Sienna to look back and watch when she is grown! What a legacy of hope and courage you are creating for her!!!!!
Oh my goodness. Bawling. You are such an inspiration.
Amazingly beautiful and strong!
You are in my prayers!
Ana
Your amazing
Just watched your video…you and your family are B E A U T I F U L …..inside and out !!!!!!
I never comment because everyone always has already said everything that I could ever say, but after watching this video I had to leave a comment. I started following your blog because you made beautiful things….and now I follow because not only are you a beautiful person, but you are a beautiful soul. You touch my soul with every post, and give me inspiration to get through my “problems”. Thank you.
beautiful. absolutely beautiful. there isn’t one thing about that video, or about you, that isn’t beautiful. just found you through another friend, and am going to be back. Truly, more than beautiful. Gorgeous. Every piece of that.
I just finished watching your video and swore I wouldn’t cry and then my husband asked me why you were doing that and I burst into tears and just finished telling him all about you. He and I have lost so many family and friends to cancer in the last few years that now he is crying…sorry….your family is so supportive and I have no doubt that you will come through this and live a loooong healthy life with Boo and Mr. LBB…..Your husband is so sweet and you can see and feel what the three of you have just by watching the video….Kudos to Mom!!!! If you were my daughter I’d have done the same…Blessings to you all…..
I just cried as I watched your video. The expression on your husbands face and yours shows the love ya’ll have. May God bless you and give your heart peace.
My sister just finished her chemo and her hair is just starting to come back in. she was a blonde but now she is a brunette like me.She has the roundest head she remained me of a cute little cabbage patch baby.
What a lovely and touching video documenting the essence of love and unity! It is. It’s all over your family and friends… The love and support they offer you during this season of your life. I exhort you to continue with that joy and honesty and remember that it is only a season and like every season, it shall pass… Stay blessed! 🙂
this was the most beautiful video i have ever seen. i am sitting here in tears. May god be with you and your family.
oh ashley. i am bawling as i watch this video. you are such a brave girl and soooo beautiful. your mom is gorgeous as well. i truly think you have such a strong will and you will beat this. just keep smiling. the part of sienna drawing on your head was just so touching. and the kisses from your sweet hubby.
blessings to you…..you are truly a brave soul. xoxo
Stay strong!
I cried when I watched this, not out of sadness but out of JOY! You are blessed to have such a supportive family around. The video is so moving and the look on your husbands face and your precious daughter is overwhelming, such LOVE shines through. Thank you for taking us on this journey of yours, it has made me stop and be more appreciative of all the little moments I sometimes take for granted each day.
Wow, that was beautiful… and so are you. Best wishes to you and yours. : )
So much love poured from that video……you a truly amazing and I am so glad that I know you…..love and hugs. You are strong….and you are beautiful!!!
I balled my eyes out watching this video. It’s so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
This was beautiful, Ashley–YOU are beautiful. The love your family has for you is amazing, especially the tenderness that your husband showed when he kissed you in. You are in my prayers always, and such an inspiration.
You are truly a beautiful inspiration. Stay strong and never lose hope!! God will be with you the entire way. Never forget you are amazing!!
Those of us who cried, raise your hand!!!
Ashley, I just watched that beautiful video and am sure I have never been in more awe of anyone! If possible, you are even more gorgeous! And your family and friends are awesome. What more could a girl want?! Ironically, exactly when you posted the video yesterday I was getting my hair done at a blow dry salon during a girls weekend. I had just given them each a bracelet and we were wearing them while getting prettied up and I saw your post. To say we were moved and inspired is an understatement. And I think you came out looking the best of all of us! Choosing joy and praying daily for you! xo
that is the most heartbreakingly beautiful thing i think i have ever seen.
you truly are beautiful.
thank you for choosing joy. the world is a better place with you in it. x
I am so moved by your video. You are more beautiful without hair!!! God bless you. You are amazing. You are strong. You will survive.
I haven’t watched the video…too many people around to see me cry! But your pictures and words alone….Wow. You and your Momma are rockin’ it! It’s probably not a look either of you would have chosen otherwise, but, wow–I think the hair has been hiding lots of “pretty” and lots of “joy” under there! Who needs stinkin’ hair when you have an awesome Momma, a wonderful Mr. LBB and a cutie patootie Little Boo! You are fighting that cancer with your JOY..I just know it is trembling in fear.
A beautiful right of passage Ashley. You and your family are beautiful, inside and out.
May your journey be blessed with love, joy and wellness.
I also have read your blog for quite a while. You are such an amazing woman!!! Your strength and willingness to let go of control wow’s me every time I read another post. I absolutely cried my eyes out watching this and I am not much of crier. I will continue to pray for you and your family! God Bless You!!!
You are so very inspiring! Beautiful video. Thanks for sharing.
Wow with a face like that, you dont need hair, you are gorgeous! Best of luck!
So beautifully shot.. so inspiring…keep doing what you’re doing. God bless
Hello bawling. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are so beautiful. I am so so glad you have such wonderful support in your husband and mom.
wow…what a sweet video…I was bawling my eyes out…not only because of your health…but the sweetness and love that filed the room. And really…who knew shaving your head could be such a romantic moment between your husband and yourself.
I’m currently going thru a divorce…(not my choice…) I have a 16 month old and he left us when she was 2.5 months old. I often wonder if something were to happen to me who would be there…It always brings me back to him…but after this video I deserve so much more than he’s given myself or my daughter. I deserve a romantic moment with my husband if I ever had to shave my head…
Thank you for being such and inspiration and showing us all what true love is..
I love you.
i’ve never seen a more beautiful video of strength, hope, courage, and love. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. Praying for you and all of those that surround you and support you!
You are so beautiful and strong! Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.
Ashley,
You truly are changing peoples lives. I know you are most definitely changing mine. I will every day choose joy!! You are so inspiring! That was the most beautiful and inspiring video. Thank you for sharing this! I am just amazed by your strength. You have a beautiful family! I pray for you daily:)
I, like many others had eyes full of tears as i watched this video. It looks like you have the most wonderful, loving family. The look in Mr. LBB ‘s eyes when he looks @ you is one of the moments that got me. He looks like he adores you. Loved sienna writing her name on your head and the “a” going over your ear! I watched the video before we went to church this morning and told my 9 year old daughter on the way that you shaved your head. (we talk and pray about you daily) while we were @ church, I looked and she had filled out the prayer request tab and it said “pray for Ashley to get through cancer”. We are lifting you up in prayer daily. I look forward to reading your posts everyday. I hope you have a great night and your little head stays warm! I agree with everyone else… You are beautiful! Your smile just seems to radiate. Thank you for your encouragement each day.
Hugs!
That was the most beautiful video I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with all of us. You are truly inspirational.
Ash…again..so moving…so touching…thank you for sharing your life and such intimate personal details with us…I know lots of people probably tell you that you are lucky to have your family and Brett Sienna and your mom all so wonderfully supportive, but I think they are lucky to have you…we all are…the world is a brighter more beautiful place with you in it….yes I cried…but I didn’t cry out of the sadness cancer can bring on,….I cried out of the joy that you bring to not only your life, and your family but the joy of anyone that pretty much crosses your path…..love and hugs to you….continue choosing joy, and thank you for the beautiful reminder of this thing called life….xoxo
I feel like you are a friend because I read your blog daily. It makes me sad that u are having to go through this, your video made me cry, the kiss from your husband, the gesture your mom made for you by shaving her head. Your gorgeous hair is gone, but to have those people in your life that love and support you is truely a blessing beyond words. U are such an inspiration. Your grace and smile will bless all that whitness this time in your life. Thank u for sharing your journey. You are in my prayers, and maybe weird to say this, but I love you even though we have never met.
Oh man, I knew it would be sad and heartbreaking, but then you go and use that song??? I was a goner from the first note. You are so special and inspiring and I just want you to know that a total stranger thinks and prays for you daily. And I tell other people to do it too. You just make me feel humbled and that if something like this ever happened to me, I think (or hope) I could handle it better now. You are changing the face of living with and fighting cancer. You truly do choose Joy.
Okay, Okay… I cried! I loved the video and all of your family & friends support. They are great. I cried also because it brought back so many memories from when I did the same thing back in June 2011. Thank you for sharing.
You are a rare beauty, inside and out. Very few people, especially women, look good bald….you do. I know you are very upbeat about this situation, but my heart hurt to watch the video. I want to hug your mother, she is beautiful too! The tears in my eyes are making my nose burn and the typing is blurry.
I just came across your blog today and couldn’t help but shed tears while watching this video…you are such an amazing woman, your soul is so beautiful and pure and you just radiate joy in the midst of everything, trials & tribulations be darned. You are an incredible inspiration and I’ll be praying for your beautiful family. What your mom did for you, it’s just simply amazing. You are so gorgeous!
beautifully done. I can feel the love that you are surrounded by and of course how much you give in return. you and your mom look beautiful! now maybe next time could you use a kick but type song from ACDC or at least one that won’t make me bawl! kidding! they were tears of hope, your in my thoughts daily.
You are beautiful and your family is amazing. I couldn’t help but cry while watching your video. What a wonderful gift from you to share your experience with the world. I’m sure there are many people drawing strength from you, including me.
Ashley, you are truely an amazing…amazing person! What a beautiful touching video. I am so proud of Boo, she is a very strong little girl too. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Love you, Cousin Vicki
Most beatutiful bald women I have ever seen. Keep your spirit. Prayers are with you!
Wow you are stunningly gorgeous! Urban chic girl! Just think how much fun you’re going to have experimenting w/fun hairstyles as your hair grows back out, something you probably would have never done! You look healthy and strong and you are a fighter Ashley! Love and prayers beautiful lady!
This made me cry. I love the love in your surroundings. We as a family are right now battling drug addiction in our household — and my daughter has pretty much shut us out. I love seeing the love of your mother — and how you receive it. This made me cry so hard — but I thank you for sharing.
I want strength and courage — to withstand this dark path we are on. I need light and healing. You give me the courage to do this when I read your words and see your strength.
light and love
Hugs
melissa
you do kinda look like a store mannequin!!! i like it though. and its really cool that you had your family there and everybody was helping you. how in the world i didnt cry, i have NO clue!!! it was truely touching!!!!
You look beautiful and so does your mom! I sit here writing this crying and I usually never comment. You have touched so many with your story and your spirit and I hope you know how much you are loved! There are so many who don’t comment like myself who read your blog daily and are praying for you! That video is amazing and you will look back on it in 20 years with such achievement! You and your mom are inspiring people! You are in my prayers:)
You have forever changed my thinking about life. You are awesome xxx
I have watched the video twice and have cried both times. It’s just such an amazing moment to see the love and support that you have from family and friends. To see you enter the next part of your journey with such strength and courage. You remind me everyday what it is to live your life with choosing joy. What I love about your honesty when writing about your experience with having cancer is that you are really showing what people are going through when having cancer. My uncle had cancer and no one really talked about what was he was going through. They would skim over the details and move on. I never really understood what he must have been experiencing. Thank you for sharing your experiences. You look like a warrior who earned her right of passage. Much love to you warrior girl! xoxo 🙂
I have been reading your blog for a few months now. I am usually a quiet person and rarely leave comments on blogs. I just wanted to let you know that I am amazed by you. I lost my father a year ago and it devastated me. I read your story on how Chose Joy came to be. I can’t really explain it.. I am now more relaxed about life. I don’t stress as much as I use to. I took your words to heart. I am responsible for me..I chose to find the joy in things. I don’t want to live my life stressed and a wreck anymore. My father loved the saying Keep Calm and Carry On. I like to say that now. Sorry I am rambling now.. I really just wanted to tell you that you inspire me.. I will continue praying for you and your family.
WOW! The video is amazing!! You are amazing! You look fabulous! Praying for you.
Hi Ashley:
I have been reading your blog for a long time, enjoying your wonderful tutorials and personal information you have shared. This video made me laugh, since I did the same thing last july. I was dx with fallopian tube cancer – in remission now – and I had one of my sons-in-law shave my head with all of the little grandchildren watching. It was great fun. I didn’t have the luxurious locks you did, but shaving it off was sooooo liberating. Loved it in the summer. Now it’s coming back. You’ve inspired me to put a new photo up on my own blog.
I’m praying for you – you will be just fine. Keep laughing!
Kate
Once a chemo baldy myself… This took my breath away by its pure beauty:-)
HOLY COW!!! My sister and I just watched your video and I am so moved. I’ve been following your blogs and I’m inspired by your positivity, quirkiness and humor. You are so beautiful, inside and out! You are in my prayers. Much love!
I did cry when I watched the video and had to explain to my husband what was wrong. He knows about you, of course, as he’s seen me laugh and cry at your blog many times. It was a beautiful video and my heart goes out to your husband and daughter, too. So much for them to witness and they have so much love for you and darn little say in the process. You have such a wonderful outlook and spirit that I know you are making the journey better for everyone around you. Your mom is also selfless to support you in every way that she can. I was surprised she was leaving so soon after shaving her head. I’m glad her head shave made it a little easier for Boo to witness yours. I know you already miss your mom. And no doubt she is missing you and your family, too. I love the support and love that is so apparent in your family and friends. That alone is quite a story and inspiration for me. As always, thank you for sharing and spreading the love. Take care my friend! You are in my prayers!
I don’t even really know what to say, I am so moved by this video. It is so beautiful. So amazing. So touching. Your journey is not an easy one and you are so brave to share this with us. Thank you for that. My heart fills with love and hope for you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. To even somehow bring a smile to your face on a challenging day….anything.
You are amazing!!! You are beautiful!!!
What a beautiful video. It was so very touching. I cried and I smiled. You are such a beautiful woman with a beautiful supportive family and you have one of those heads that looks great without hair! 🙂 God Bless you and all that you are enduring and I pray for this chemo to be effective and for you to have a peace during this. I love that you are sharing your journey with so many in your blog. I do not know you but I am praying for you !!
I “liked” your page on facebook a while ago, and have only recently discovered your blog. After today, I am an official follower! This was beautiful, your family is beautiful, YOU are beautiful and your story is beautiful. God bless you, and thank you for glorifying Him and sharing your story.
That is one of the most beautiful and touching videos. The love and support you have from your family and friends is amazing. There are so many people that go through this, and I am greatful you share your story on here. It touched my heart so deeply.
AH-MAZING. You say you are not an inspiration, but you are. WoW! WOW! WOW! Words can’t explain what I just felt watching that.
Words fail me.
You are beautiful and so brave. And your mother is amazing for shaving her head first!
What a beautiful video. Can’t stop crying. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. You are amazing and so is your family.
Just watched the video. I am amazed at your attitude. I wish I was half the person you are. So brave, courageous and beautiful. Keep up the fight.
Ashley, this video is just beautiful … the look of love on everyone’s faces is priceless.
You are a true inspiration. I am deeply touched.
I’ve just stumbled across your blog. I am bawling right now, you are so beautiful and strong and your family is amazing!! Praying that you continue to kick cancers butt.
You are so beautiful. So is your family. I am in awe of the wonderful way you are handling this trial for your beautiful family. You will be in my prayers and keep fighting!!!
Ashley, I first just want to say how beautiful you and your family are! You are inspiring!
I don’t know you but I know God and His Word. I don’t believe He gave you cancer. The Word doesn’t teach that, but…….I believe that this will be a testimony for you to share with many. You are showing people how to live a life full of peace and joy, not dependent upon circumstance but as a result of choice. I will pray for you and believe with you for a full recovery! Many blessings to you and yours! SHeleah
I watched your video through tears and couldn’t stop thinking how brave you are. I will pray that you fight this cancer and win!
your video was very moving…praying for you and your family HUGS
What a beautiful woman you are!
God bless you in your fight!
Thank you for spreadfing joy with your positive attitude.
You are amazing! You are the epitome of strength. I have recenetly found out that the baby I am carrying has a birth defect called Holoprosencephaly and although your situation is much different than mine, I find that you have helped me in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your story with us! Thank you for being such a pillar of strength to so many, and thank you for being so possitive. You are beautiful, inside and out. Honestly, I’ve never seen a more gorgeous bald woman in my entire life.
My oh my… are you a woman of courage! I have been following your blog for a few months now and this is the first time I have left a comment. My heart overflows for you and honestly you give me great courage!
Just wanted to let you know that I have been praying for you and your lil boo since the first day I read your blog. I pray for you everyday. Continue being the light that you are and thank you for your reminders of just breathing, living, smiling, and being kind!
You are spectaculary beautiful. And brave! Thanks for sharing this video of your experience. It was amazing. You are surrounded by love – we can all see that!
This made me bawl.
You are beautiful, awesome and a true fighter. You will beat cancer because of your “Joy” for life.
I don’t know what to say when I’m speechless and amazed, and in awe, and in love, and inspired, and rejoicing, and all that stuff. Your sweet family so in love with you… that giant smile, your beautiful face so radiant and bright… your amazing mother, your lovely noggins… the illustration on a brand new canvas… I adore this video and I’m so glad that you shared it! Now I have to start the blog from the beginning. My friend Brooke just shared this on fb and now I feel like a different person.
Love, (I know! We just met! It’s ok 🙂
Ginny
Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful and touching video. It’s plain to see that your family is one filled with love and blessings. Joy and hope always triumph over sadness. Will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I think that I may have started crying the moment I hit play. You are amazing. And you look beautiful with & without hair! xx
I think people are staring at you in the store because you are so amazingly beautiful…and they can only see the outside! Love and prayers for you and your family.
Beautiful. Love pours out of this video, and I am blessed to have been able to watch it…..
Ashley, this video was so touching! You have a beautiful family and I could just feel the love in the room as I watched them support you. You look beautiful! Congrats on your rite of passage! If you get a chance, shoot me an email, I have something for Boo!
Your grace and your strength is humbling. You are truly an inspiration. God bless you.
Ashley-
I read your blog every night in bed…I look forward to every word you have to say. You inspire me to be a better person. You are truly amazing. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Kim
I have so many emotions after watching your video! Amazed, Inspired, Humbled, In Awe – I cried. Your whole family was a part of it and although I could see the sadness in everyone’s eyes, I also saw hope. This obstacle is gone and now on to so much bigger and better things!! I am praying for a quick healing, recovery and a return to your normal – since it is different for each of us. Although I don’t know you personally except through LBB I speak to others about you like you are a friend and ask for prayers for your complete healing! You may not have any idea how much you inspire each of us to reach for and exceed our potential each day & it is nice to hear that we are all human and some days it doesn’t happen & thanks ok too – Thank You! K
You are AMAZING! And strong and full of beauty, inside and out! Thank you for sharing your journey. This video is big, it’s a big step to share something so intimate. It made tears fall down my face and it made me smile, may God bless you and your sweet family!
no words…just love ashley. to you & your family.
Absolutely beautiful…….As are you <3
Your story has moved me right from the start. This video is no exception.
Praying for you.
Jill
There is so much love in that room it feels like its jumping out of the computer! You are so strong and lovely at the same time, it’s inspiring! Sending love…
You are AMAZING!! I have been following all your blog updates and I am amazed at how brave you are. I could only hope to have half of your strength if I ever went through something similar. You are an incredible example for all of us. You and your family are in our prayers and we wish you good health. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with all of us!!
I have been following your story for a while….not sure what to write or say. I have watched this video a couple times and just cried. You are an inspiration to so many people. When Mr. LBB kissed while you were shaving your head, I just thought it was such a beautiful moment, really left me speechless. I pray for your healing…..Sending positive thoughts and energy everyday……Thank you again for sharing your story.
Wow! How brave you are, what a wonderful mother you have. I can’t get over how gorgeous and feminine you are without hair and your tough too, all wrapped into one package. Keep your hope and spirits up! Focus on the desired outcome. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless you and your family.
Amazing video! You are such an inspiration for everyone and are the strongest person I know. What a wonderful way to capture this journey in your life to look back on years from now. So special to have Boo and Mr LBB be a part of it as well!! Choose Joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, Ashley…I am just in awe of you. I’m not one to comment, but I’ve been following your blog for quite some time and this post just got me. The way your family looked at you in the video is a testament to you and the sort of person you must be in their lives. Your outlook and attitude are inspiring to anyone. You have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
I have only been following you for a small time now, but I feel that with the way you share each and every experience; whether good or bad, I have become closer to you and to understandoing what you are going through so far. And it isn’t as a burden as the way you make it out to be. I thank you for that. You are an ispirational figure that won’t ever get replaced in my life no matter what. Thanks for the posts of every day.
Ashley,
You’re strong!!! You’re beautiful. You’re story will inspire other! I has for me!
Blessings
Momma Haywood
Brave and beautiful. So much love, so much truth, so much honesty. You may not think you are an inspiration, but you are. You totally are. By the way, I love your mom. I am a mom about her age and I will do what she did, too. My husband is fighting cancer, I am fighting with him. He went through chemo two years ago now we are on maintenance chemo, we keep on fighting…
Can I share your video on my facebook feed and on my blog?
You have such a lovely family. You and your mom look great with no hair. Nicely shaped heads. You are such a wonderful mom.
OMG, you are SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! And your mom’s too!!!
Beautiful eyes that speak a lot!
You rock!!
I have been following you for a while but have never commented as I feel that so many of the other readers do such a great job of articulating everything I’m feeling when I read your posts. But I do just want to say thank you for sharing this video. I absolutely adore it and the love that you and your family share is so evident and inspirational. You look fabulous sans hair and I know that this latest step in your journey will only make you stronger. Thank you for being you!
I am forever changed by watching your movie. and i am speechless. thank you for sharing your journey. i’ll be happy to include you and your family in my prayers! lv k
My daughter send this….so sweet. I had brain cancer and found it last June…Lost my hair and I really hated it. I am a hairdresser. I had 9 brain tumors. A friend brought me a product that has helped me so much. Natural. 9 tumors have gone down to 2 and they are half size of what they were. I pray that you have really good success.
http://www.mypeacefulsleep.com/wilmahogan
cute video.
sorry…wrong website
http://www.mypeacefulsleep.com
Has given enery and helped me sleep so much better. It was developed for cancer and is all natural.
I stumbled on your blog tonight when a friend posted that she could not tear herself away from it. I am so touched by your incredible spirit. Prayers are with you and your sweet family.
In tears. So moved. Your a beautiful, strong women!
So brave, I admire you. Your little one is gorgeous and I think it is great that she gets to be part of those important moments, good or bad.
Take care, à bientôt from Switzerland…
You are so beautiful, and I am so impressed with how you have been handling all of this. Sending healing wishes your way. Stay strong. :o)
You and your family are amazing…so much love for one another. Your story and video are so very inspiring. Thank you for sharing it.
Damn, Ashley, I shouldn’t have watched your video, I’m in tears right now.
You look after that scalp of yours, it’ll get sunburned really easily.
I’m off to find some Kleenex.
Claire
Ok, kind of late to comment here (and I usually never comment on other blogs etc) but I just have to say what an incredible video this is………………it left me speechless and very emotional. I think you have such an amazing attitude to all that life has thrown at you lately and I know your strength will and has helped others around the world. Inspiring. Thankyou. Love and healing best wishes from Australia.
I love Sia. What a powerful video. I have a couple of pictures that are on lockdown from my “ceremony.” Your mom is awesome! <3
What a beautiful video! You have inspired me & I also LOVE the CHOOSE JOY article. My dad passed away unexpectedly not long before your dad did, so I know exactly how you feel.
I’ve ordered the CHOOSE JOY bracelets, and cannot wait for them to arrive, and I also am looking forward to the necklace that you helped design.
You inspire me to be better, to do better and to be happier doing it all. Each day is a gift & I want to give my family the best of me and to enjoy each and every moment I have with them.
Thank You for sharing your story, your life & your family with us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Live. Love. Laugh.
I wish you courage, I wish you strength, I wish you love, I wish you, everything. Thank you for all of this.
You are beautiful with or without hair… Very touching & sweet. You have a beautiful family too that you can see how much they love you by the way they look at you. Pretty priceless!
You are so beautiful and inspirational!
My husband and I are expecting our second child, I’m 8wks pregnant. A Persian woman at my church told me the in their culter pregnant woman are holy and it’s said that God answers their prayers, I will pray for you & your family every single day, for complete healing that you may grow old with your husband, and watch your children grow up, every single day! God bless!
James5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
You are a beautiful woman!! This had me in tears and your courage is remarkable!!
You have given your family a beautiful gift. You are such an inspiration. I only hope I have such grace if I ever have to face cancer. You are in my prayers!
The fact that there are 424 comments before mine is a testament to the amazing woman that you are!
I’m sure I am repeating what others have said when I say that your courage and grace in your approach to the cancer is astounding. You’re a strong woman and I pray that you’re able to continue to be a blessing to your family and so many others through this blog! Blessings x
Just came over from ‘The Cottage Home’ . That is the most amazing video. I cried as I watched it. You are amazing. And I have to add that you are just as beautiful without your hair as you are with it. Seriously. Most women need their hair to be pretty. You don’t. You are absolutely gorgeous – inside and out. God’s love just radiates in your smile. Prayers for you and your family. God bless.
Oh this made me teary. You are beautiful. You are amazing.
Ashley,
You are such an amazing and beautiful woman. Your courage to make public your life’s battles is hopefully healing for you and inspiring to others . A friend posted this on her FB and now im addicted to following your blog. I too have a young daughter and two sons. Within the last year I had a partial historectomy because of cysts which were benign. Then a thyroidectomy to remove multi nodule goiters. Thyroid cancer is in my family Afterwards I became so depressed. Do you ever feel depressed because of all you are going through? You seem to have such a positive outlook. When I saw your Rite of Passage video I cried then laughed when your daughter drew the face on the back of your head. Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of yourself and famy with the world. You are an amazing woman! We will keep you in our prayers.
You are an inspiration – my love and thoughts are with you and your beautiful family x
The most beautiful video I have ever seen…..blessing to you and your family.
I finally watched the video, and cried all the way through. I love how Boo and Mr. LBB took turns helping shave. What a wonderful support system you have! I am praying for you and your family. You and your mom are the most beautiful bald women ever! God bless!
you have given new meaning to the words: amazing, strong, powerful, beautiful … i am speechless!! thank you for sharing your journey with us ..
what a lovely video. the love and support of family is so evident. three generations of beautiful, strong women are shown here. thank you for sharing.
Ashley,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
You are truly an inspiration.
Thank you.
I’m going through this too.
My daughter cried when I shaved my head – but now she wants hers shaved too.
Thank you.
Your story is so touching! THANK YOU for being such an inspiration!
What an amazing wife and mother you are. The love that you have for your family radiated from you in this video.
A heroine is defined as a woman of courage, you definitely are one.
Praying for you and your family.
Beautiful. You are so beautiful. Inside and out! Praying you send that cancer packing! You are an inspiration.
You are such a brave beautiful soul….you keep remembering to hold onto your fathers words of Joy and keep your faith..you are strong..it shows in your video. I can only hope I can be as strong for my mom who was just diagnosed with breast cancer.When the time is right I will show her your story……God Bless
Thank you for sharing this moment with us, it really puts everything into perspective, you are an amazing strong woman. May God be with you and your family.
xox- A friend of Perry’s
you are absolutely stunning! I will be praying for you and your family!! HUGS!!!! <3
I don’t know if you remember me. We met many years ago in Lake Tahoe at Gail and Barry’s wedding. I was the across the street neighbor of Jen and Jason’s growing up
I have been following your blog since Jen told me the news. Just watched the video. Ashley, you are so strong and beautiful! I have said a prey for you everyday since talking to Jen.
You are in my thoughts a lot lately.
Stay Strong.
Much love,
Courtney
I finally got up the nerve to watch your shaving video today and cried all the way through it. You look like G.I Jane just ready to fight this. Praying for you and your family.
1. this video is killer
2. your family is beautiful…and your mom, i mean c’mon…seriously? how amazing is she?
3. it looks like you handled that incredibly well (understatement)
4. you’re beautiful and have a great head, too! 🙂
i stop in now and again to check out creative endeavors and realized just how long it had been; sorry to hear. all the best to you………
Thank you for sharing something so wonderfully personal and beautiful with all of us. Your journey is a strong and amazing one…..God Bless
You are such a beautiful woman, and I can see where it comes from. The love of your family is just beyond, I’ve never experienced such support and dedication and it’s so beautiful to watch. The way you are including your daughter in this process is so important in keeping her from being traumatized, I admire you greatly. You’re an amazing inspiration to everyone who is lucky enough to know you’re there.
Ashley,
You are an amazingly beautiful and strong woman. Keep on spreading joy with your beautiful smile and spirit! You are an inspiration!
Everyone has already said to you all of the things I am feeling. I have been a member of your blog for a little while and it has given me such strength in that short time. I am a cancer survivor…not breast…so I definitely empathy for all you are going through at this time. Wish my mom lived closer so she could be here more for me, plus her husband was dealing with his own cancer woes. God Bless you and yours, hugs and prayers, Cherryl
Wow! That video is so powerful! Your hair was pretty but good gracious girl you are gorgeous bald! I found your blog from Vineyard Vines Share Your Story blog. I started reading the cancer chronicles and could not stop! I love your attitude and authenticity and am inspired by your sweet mama! Thanks for sharing! You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you fight that awful disease!
What an inspiration you are, Ashley. This video is beautiful and life affirming. Thank you for sharing this with us. I’m in awe of your courage. Wow.
Hi Ashley
This video brought back some memories from two years ago. My daughter underwent a bonemarrow transplant after being diagnosed with a rare blood disease. I know you seemed okay with losing your hair, she did to, I know your heart ached. My prayers are with in Jesus Name. She was on steroids and all kinds of drugs to keep her alive until a donor was found. This is a link to her
A good note she is two years out of a bone marrow transplant and is doing great. her hair is about shoulder length now. Funny thing is she was a blonde from birth, straight hair. Now she is brunette and full and wavy hair.
Will donate to a cancer Fund raiser soon because of YOU! Keep Plug’n! I wish you a strong recovery!
I was not expecting a full blown melt down watching this video, thank heavens I was home when I watched it. It brought back so many memories for me. When my brother shaved my head, With my family by my side. When I was 25 I had stage 4 hodgkins lymphoma and a sweet 6 month old baby boy on my hip. I chose joy. Attitude is such an important part of the healing process. Good luck on your journey you’re an amazing inspiring person!
I have a knot in my throat and tears rolling down my face, not because you lost your hair (it is just hair. it will grow back) no, but because of how beautiful you, your mom, Sienna and your hubby are. A beautiful family going through it all together! With heads up in the air and the wonderful confidence that God has a plan. Ashley, you look beautiful hair or no hair. As I’ve said it time and again…YOU ARE INSPIRING!
Many hugs your way. You and your family are always in my prayers.
You. are. beautiful. –Thanks for sharing.
Don’t know how I could’ve missed this earlier, but it was worth the wait. This is truly the most beautiful thing I think I have ever seen, brought me to tears…not for the hair loss itself, just everything you are going through and the magnificent love that shines from you, you husband, mom, daughter and others in this video. Very moving. Very loving. My love and prayers are always being sent your way Ashley. Love to your family and friends too. You are all very special people.
I admire you! Be strong 🙂
You are an amazing woman!! This video is inspiring, and your strength will lift many! You are beautiful inside and out!
What a beautiful video and what an inspiration you are. A little over a year ago my son shaved my head for me (after shaving his, his brothers, and his friend who is like a son to me) Making it a celebration helped me so much. Tomorrow it will be one year since my last chemo. I am cancer free and my hair is growing back more beautiful than before. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I loved this video. I cried because I know how you feel. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept. 2011, I’m 39 years old. I just finished chemo and in 2 weeks will have a mastectomy. I’m still bald and wear my husbands ski cap around the house. My husband and boys helped shave my head in October. Thank you for sharing and sending all the good karma I can find your way!
Hi Ashley
Your video is really moving and you’re a great woman.
A hug,
by Arianna from Italy
Heartfelt and inspiring. I had to watch it in 2 parts to fight back the tears-but it didn’t work. Ashley you are my hero. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
This video is beautiful as are you inside and out. I’m sad I missed you at CHA. I was there for two days, and I would have loved to give you a big hug.
Thank you for your beautiful example to me for being strong through difficult times.
im not even sure how i got to your website (something craft related) and how i ended up here at this video (ahh the web of internet) but this has brought me to tears. I am not normally a “commenter” but that video is/was amazing. I think due to the fact my father fought pancreatic cancer and now I am now a mom to two small children it struck a personal nerve. Your daughter is beautiful and its an inspiration that you can put yourself out there and possibly help others through your experiences. thank you for sharing . wishing you good thoughts and strength.
Beautiful xo
My friend shared your story with me! You are so beautiful, courageous and strong!! Beat cancer’s @$$ girl! 🙂 You are truly an inspiration, thank you for sharing your journey! I hope you don’t mind but I pinned your video on Pinterest, it’s too amazing not to pass on and share!
I will be praying for you and your famiily, hang in there!! <3
I don’t know you, but I must say that you are an amazing, courageous woman. I cried the whole time during your video, but you were always strong!! I plan to continue following your progress on your blog and I hope and pray that everything goes well for you! Thank you for sharing your most precious moments and your struggles. If you can do this, I can do anything!!
I know I don’t know you from the man on the moon, but I want you to know how impressed I am by you. Life throws us all challenges. Thank you for sharing yours. I know the pain of loss, and as I read your beautiful story, I can’t help but think, that could be me. We never know what tomorrow will bring. Thank you for helping me see the true meaning of choosing joy. I hope and pray that you will get better. That you can spend many many more days with your beautiful family. May life bring you a gazillion times more joy than your pain. My heart has been touched by you.
You are beautiful, you are brave, your very soul shine’s through your kind eyes even more now! I see your pain, but it truley is shadowed by the love that is surrounding you, even from perfect strangers like myself. Live strong, live long, choose joy!!! Blessings…….
Ashley, you are a wonderful example of what it is to show grace! What a beautiful video of you and your family showing you such love, compassionand support. Blessings as you walk thru this part if your journey.
What great lessons you are teaching your children! You are truly an inspiration to all women… especially moms. Bless you!
You and your mother are such beautiful souls! Cancer is so evil and been in my life for too many years. But what choice do we have. What we do have a choice on is how we live our lives and show our children the value of love, life, and happiness. You do this to the “n”th degree and are such an inspiration to all. God Bless!
You are surrounded by so much love and joy, I hope other families going through the same thing can learn. Light and love for you and your family!
Couldn’t get thru this without crying. What an inspiration you are. Thanks for sharing!
This was beautiful!!!! You are gorgeous and have amazing family!!! I wish you all the best and hope you are well and will be well in a future!!! God Bless!!!
I literally stumbled upon your site and your story. I shaved my head a couple of months ago, just as a change in looks, not because of cancer. As I stood there looking in the mirror it was as if a switch turned on in my heart. I immediately teared up and thought of those that are battling cancer. What was a self seeking endeavor turned into a small cancer awareness project. I watched Rite of Passage and want you to know that I think you are a true inspiration to so many! Laugh a lot and Smile often!
I just found your site, from looking how to sew a child’s dress, and was impressed with the tutorials, colors, really looking great, I got curious and saw your video, and even nothing being said in it, I could feel the love , the strenght
the presence of your husband (I assume) was a sweet moment and your mother and daughter as well
your mom willing to go with you in this journey show the deep connection between you two
I will be sending good wishes from here (Netherlands)
and you are gorgeous with or without hair ! and not every woman can say this !
hugs
Sandra
(brazilian in Netherlands)
Ashley, only you could look as beautiful bald as you do with long, blond hair! Joy to you.
You are amazing, inspiring, and absolutely beautiful inside and out!
Hello Ashley, just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. I thought I was battling a beast, but found it it was nothing in comparison. Thank you for being so valiant, so beautiful, so hopeful and so wonderful. Your courage glorifies God. You inspire me everyday. I am praying for you and yours.
This video is just simply Beautiful! Your inspriration and inner beauty are evident in the love and support that surrounds you. I love the point especially, when your husband is taking a turn with shaving your hair and your daughter is looking on, the expression in her face is priceless, seeing the love and support between her family.
Inspiring to say the least, May GOD bless you and your family, I watched your video and cryed.. Brought back memories of my husband doing the same thing when he had cancer ! He fought Hodgkins Lymphoma and has been in remission for 2.5 yrs.
Remember UCANCERVIVE and WILL !!
Touching video. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your beautiful family. Keep beaming that sunshine smile of yours! God bless you!
You are AMAZING!!! I have not kept up reading my favorite blogs, so I am playing catch up with yours. I bawled (no pun intended) watching this video. You are such an amazing example to so many people and it is great to see you surrounded by so many people who love you. Wow, your mom’s actions leave me speechless, what sweet love! Best of luck and know we are all here rooting for you (oh my gosh, another pun, I am so sorry!)
Yup, like many of the people commented here, I was crying my eyes out at the end of the video… Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us … May Our Lord surrender you and your family with His strength and love always!
Blessings<3
Hi Ashley, first of all, I hope you´re doing as good as it can be. Thank you for sharing this video, I really think it´s not only beautifull but somehow important, too. Lots of love from Berlin/Germany!
Hi Ashley,
Please know I am praying for you everyday. I do not know you but your story touches my heart. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Her cancer has spread to her brain and liver. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you everyday.
Janelle
Thank you for sharing your story. I cried as I watched this. You are a wonderful example.
Found your blog while searching “joy” (my focus word for the year is REJOICE). Wow. More than any blog, book, article, etc that I’ve read or studied this year, your blog has convicted me that I can choose to live joyfully in all situations. I’ve been struggling through a situation with my child who has a chronic illness and feeling that I couldn’t possibly choose to rejoice through it. No more…. thank you for strengthening me. God bless you for the strength and courage you have to share your journey so publicly.
I found your blog today while searching something, it brought me here. This is the most amazing video. You are a true example of courage and strength and in this video you can tell that when she looks at here Momma that is what she sees. I love how your mom shaved her head first such a true sign of Love. Thank you for sharing such a personal video.
I can not tell a lie, I REALLY believe you are even more beautiful without your hair! Shocking to me, but the truth! Thank you for your joy and hope! Thank you for keeping us up with your days, you are one AMAZING, AMAZING lady!
seeing your strength and your family’s absolute support inspires me. truly courage in the face of adversity. admirable. im praying for you ashley. God bless from the philippines.
Just ‘stumbled’ upon your site. My heart goes out to you. I have been battling ovarian cancer since July 2007, while I have been under constant care and never had remission, I too, choose joy. I am an optimist by nature and I refuse to change my outlook for cancer. You come across as a strong woman and I will pray for you and send good energy your way…..my website tells my story, but it’s really no different than your own. Warm wishes and love to you….
Maggie
Totally in tears and awe, you are so incredible…. And inspirational. Dont ever doubt for one minute you are not loved. Its people like you that give others the strength to continue and go on…. Bless you and your sweet spirit, and your amazing family. Thank you for sharing this. The world needs more people like you.
Im sitting here bawling. Wow you are so strong!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for posting such a beautiful and moving video that captures the essence of shaving because of cancer. My 5 yr old niece Rosemarie has been fighting cancer for 4 years… she lost her hair for the third time this summer and she’s now old enough that it made a difference – so we all shaved with her. I hope you’ll know how moving this is, and how much we’re all praying for you and rooting for you! I’ll be shaving again in a month, to raise funds for research with St. Baldrick’s foundation. I’ll be bald (again) with you. I hope you won’t mind if I share your post with my blog readers. I’ll email to be sure. Thank you for sharing!
I just saw this Rite of Passage video and have tears in my eyes. It was such a beautiful video.
I am impressed… you are so strong, so beautiful, and your family is great…. I do not have words for what your mother did for you. You are very very lucky of having them all.
I am just here crying and I can’t stop!! Thank you for sharing this with us, at least for me, it’s a great lesson of fortress.
Sorry for my poor English, big hugs for you and your great family and friends!!!
María
This morning I was feeling sorry for myself. My kids have been sick with the flu for the past two weeks. Last night at 2am I was cleaning the puke out of my daughters bed, clothes, hair, after being up with my other daughter trying to calm her cough and before being up with my teething 9 month old. After getting a free moment I got on the computer and came across what i thought was a craft blog. Well God knew what he was doing putting Asleys story in front of me. How dare i feel sorry for myself! Choose Joy is just what I needed! You are such a beautiful, inspiring, strong woman! I am forever a follower now!
Amazing. Absolutely stunning and amazing. You and your mom are beautiful bald women. I am sitting here in tears as well maybe its the fact that its 2:40 am or that you are taking on every momma’s bad dream with full force. Lots of prayers!
Ashley you are a very strong and courageous woman! I am sure that you have and will continue to help many women going through the same or similar situation.
May you be blessed with happiness and to regain your health.
beautiful! beautiful inside and out! both you and your mom – what beautiful mothers! i will pray for you and your family. please know that your story has changed me, inspired me and challenged me to love my children as well as your mom has loved you…. thank you for sharing!
Strong, beautiful, JOYFUL. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
What an amazing video. You look strong, graceful, beautiful, and most of all… surrounded by love. I am in complete awe.
Well, I sat crying! Even more beautiful..
Amazing story of this young mother fighting cancer,you are and inspiration to all the young women that are fighting cancer and the courage to have her young daughter and husband there while she shaved her hair,thank you for sharing this video.
You look beautiful!
That is the most beautiful video I have ever seen! That is true love. My 4 year old daughter has been battling leukemia for the last 2 years. Unless you have seen the fear in childs eyes, you cannot explain how desperate you are to make thie easier for them. Love and prayers from our family to yours.
You are a brave wonderful young lady and will be a hero to many. Thank you for sharing your courage and faith.
You’re incredible! Incredible. Courageous & inspiring & my heart goes out to you and your beautiful family. Prayers of faith & healing are being sent up on your behalf.
Thanks for sharing your optimism and joy. My 3-year-old daughter has Leukemia and the day we shaved her head was very emotionally charged. The video was beautiful. Your family and you are beautiful.
Simply Beautiful….. I saw your picture without hair & realized I knew those eyes! I have visited your site a few times and you were always beautiful, but this video shows such grace and a true beauty that words can not express.. We may not know one another, but I send you all my love and happy thoughts of victory over your battle.
Tears are streaming down my face. My daughter was 20 when she got cancer and had a 3 year old girl. Her sister and her brother both shaved their heads also so she wouldn’t be alone. This scared her little girl, Alyssa, a bit because she wanted to keep her own hair. People would stare at her in Target and follow her and point. My daughter, Angie Gangi, then made a documentary about the doctor who saved her life. It’s on YouTube called With Her There Is Hope. Thank you for your courage and for sharing your story, warmest hugs from a mom who has been with her own daughter through something similar. Hugs to your brave bald mom too. Hope I run into her here in Palm Desert! Love and JOY to you all! Lori (Angie is doing well and April marks 8 years post bone marrow transplant!) whoop whoop!) Alyssa is now 12!! What?!
I have been reading your blog since just after you found out – I found you thru a crafting site – and when you did this I originally didn’t want to watch it. I found the video by accident on care2 (wow you are everywhere – aren’t you suppose to slow down??) and despite shaving a good friend’s head for her while she was going thru chemo for breast cancer, I sobbed thru this. Not because your hair was gone (and by the way it looked REALLY CUTE short so the growing out process won’t be awkward) but because of the incredible strength I saw and the undivided support between everyone – them for you AND you to them.
I can only imagine how hard it is to share all of this with us but you need to know how much you help so many of us find strength in our own lives and how many prayers are said for you everyday. Hang tough! And remeber when your daughter is a teenager and being bratty you can always say “Hey! I let you DRAW ON MY HEAD!” and know that NO OTHER mother has ever done that for their kid!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND SO STRONG!!!
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. THANKS FOR SHARING.
Our 2-year old daughter just lost her hair to leukemia treatments. Thank you for sharing your story. There IS life beyond cancer!!
You are such an amazing woman. You are so strong and so generous for sharing your story with all of us. Words cannot express how lucky your little girl is for having you as a mom.
You are stunning with no hair! Now the world can focus on your bright smile.
Thank you for sharing your fight. You and your family will be in my prayers!
Wow…you are an amazing lady with a beautiful family. This such a beautiful personal experience that you have shared with the world. Thank you. Thank you for The Joy! Thank you for the emotion. Anyone who has experience with cancer (personally or family) knows all too well The Right of Passage! You are a true example of Grace & Dignity. I hope your treatments end on a beautiful note. Best Wishes!
BC
Thank you for sharing your story. Simply beautiful. A friend of mine has followed your blog and shared your link – I found you and your family so inspiring. Remembering to choose joy today because of you!
I was so moved by your video. Four years ago my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36. On April 1st of that year we had a head shaving party. I went to chemo with her earlier that day and we spent the day together. It was amazing the joy God blessed us with that day. We laughed during chemo and felt God’s grace and peace and joy the whole day. I made a bald is beautiful cake and about 8 of us gathered at her house and brought her scarves and hats and chocolate. Her kids originally did not want to see it happen but there was such joy that they were drawn into the kitchen where we were. I have never seen my friend look so strong and beautiful. She is has been cancer free 3 years and God used her cancer to glorify Him. I will pray for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your story.
I have tears when I wrote this. You are amazing …… Thank you for sharing !
your beauty and happiness shines through. the love of ur family and their support is irreplacable .
my prayers for all of you.
much love.
My daughter and I watched the video. She is 9- so many questions. My mother had cancer and she lost her hair. i can’t say I recall when she lost her hair- maybe I purposely choose not to remember- It was over 20 years ago. What you did was so special. It made it a non scary part of the process. All people should go into this with the positiveness that you did. My daughter just walked away- It took all I could to hold back the tears. I want my daughter to think that hair is not important- it is what is inside and the power of the person. you and your Mom and family will win this. Thanks you for sharing your intimate moment. You have touched us. Here is to your health.
Okay I knew you were pretty IRL when I met you at CE in AZ but I saw this, cried, thought of your family, you mom, saw your hair fall to the floor & saw that wow! you are so beautiful! I’ve been real sick last year for a few months (w/zero diagnosis from the drs) and again the past few weeks w/something else that put me in the ICU for a week. You truly give me strength. I will keep you in my prayers Ashley. =)
no paro de llorar de la emoción.Es lo más tierno que he visto nunca.
Fuerza mucha fuerza que esto se va a pasar
Made me cry too Ashley. Your mom is SO very amazing to do that with you. What a selfless wonderful thing she did for you! Having such an amazing loving family will help you so much on the tough days. Sending happy, healing and loving thoughts your way! Blessed be.
You are so amazing and strong.I can’t watch the video without crying.
I don’t even have words to respond to that video. One of the most amazing moments that I have ever seen. I have been following you for a while and love reading what you write, I love all of your art and your beautiful designs, and I pray that you recover very soon. You are a beautiful inspiration. And- you are truly one of the most gorgeous women on earth-
Love Mary Katherine Cox
What an amazingly beautiful woman you are! Your video truly touched my heart…you have such a positive spirit! You are a true inspiration to others…praying for your continued strength. God will heal you!
(Psalms 30:2 NKJV) O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.
What a Breath-Taking Video, I too like MOST others Cried Watching !!
My Sister has been following you and just told me about your blog, I will become a follower — Your Beautiful, Strong and have a Wonderful Family …
Blessings to YOU and YOURS !!! <3
You are beauty and grace personified. This is my first time visiting and I am in love with your spirit. Your followers are truly blessed that you’ve chosen to let the world witness your strengths. You amaze me.
Sianna Wilson
PS – you can totally rock the bald look. And Mom, too!
It’s amazing how much hope you are giving people by doing this. Makes me realize that we are all so very blessed everyday.
Jayme
Hi Ashley! I haven’t read through your blog yet. Somehow I hit a link to this video through another blog ( so sorry that I don’t remember which one now), so I’m not sure what type of cancer you were diagnosed with. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last May. My husband and I have 2 young boys, and as you know, it’s not easy news to hear. I too decided to shave my head as my hair started falling out. I took pictures but so wish I had captured it on video as you did. What an awesome video! I tried to document my journey on my blog as transparently as I could and I am so glad now that I did. I hope that you will look back and see how strong you were during this journey, and also how sweet and giving your family and friends are. Thank you for sharing this. Praying for you!!
I just found you today… Wow – what a great site. Love everything I have clicked. I just completed my adventure with cancer last month. I pray your treatment goes well and you get through this unscathed.
Hi-
As I sat and watched this video tears poured quietly down my face. A little squeak once in awhile to catch my breath. What I am most amazed by in this video was not what you were losing…your beautiful hair…It’s what you had that was bringing my tears in by the hundreds.You have a beautiful family and loved ones.Their love and support for you is so real and obvious.
As so many commented before…You look beautiful, Hair long-hair short and hair on the floor. I envy you, you and your loved ones are amazing. I will put you and your family in my prayers.
Thank you for the reminder of what is most important in life. Keri
Damn. I just came for the square shirt tutorial! Now I’m just in tears thinking of the friends I’ve known who’ve gone through the same thing. Feeling more like shaving my head than making a shirt. Best wishes to you and your lovely family!
Just wanted to say how strong you looked in this video!! I praise you for that. I cried very hard when I had to shave mine 6 months ago due to my cancer. My twin girls were no around to see but love my head..Lol! My hair has since started to come back which I am so happy about. It’s starting to get warm and the scarves keep my head to warm at times. Love the site. Take care and stay strong!
Speechless…. and that is not very often that I am speechless…. In tears as this was the sweetest, most heartfelt moment ever. You are blessed with a very loving family. Your husband, your children, …. your Mom. Saying a prayer for you and for your family. After watching this video, I hold a very special place for you and your family in my heart.
Just coming across your website via Pinterest. Have you checked into the Gerson Therapy treatments? It is a natural treatment that activates your body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself through an organic, vegetarian diet, raw juices, coffee enemas, and natural supplements. The testamonials are incredible. Just felt lead to send you this. May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” Romans 15:13.
That was amazing and touching. I have a great old friend that is losing her hair again and this really touched home. Thank you for sharing. What a fabulous family you have. You are beautiful inside and out.
Absolutely beautiful. You are so gorgeous and are surrounded by such lovely lovely people.
Allah bless you and your family.
Ashley, that movie was beautiful. You are such a beautiful person. Reading your entries makes me want to be a better person. Sometimes I find myself having a hard time remaining positive. You and your family are an inspiration.
Just watched the video. My throat hurts from fighting back the tears. You are amazing.
Omg, it was so hard to fight the knot in my throat. You are a very strong woman! You have so much courage and faith. Your hair was so beautiful. But I can totally see our point. I am going thru the whole cervical cancer thing. I have to go every 6 months and let them do all the test etc. You have given me courage and strength I didn’t have… Thanks to SNAP I foun your blog.. Thank you.
Ashley, I can upon your website by a post on my friends Pinterest. Initially I was curious about your composition book project but the site took me to the home page. Fate kicked in as I began purusing your fabulous pages. I then came across your Cancer Chronicles. Wow!!!! What a beautiful, brave, passionate, loving, courageous woman you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing. God Bless you. My life is forever changed by you sharing your journey to Choosing Joy. Thank you Goddess Ashley and bless you in your adventures.
Ashley: I am a “stalker” of your Blog… I check it out several times a day. I have never watched this video as I did not want to cry like a baby. This morning I was feeling sorry for myself as I have battled a illness of my own (not cancer) and decided to watch it. In the three years I have fought for my life I have never felt sorry for myself or asked why me?, so I am not sure why the feel sorry suddenly hit me. Your video made me pull myself out of this and made me realize I need to be strong for me, my daughter (age 4) and my family (that is strong for me). THANK YOU … it is the most touching video I could choose to watch. And yes, I cried like a baby!
this is the first time I have been able to watch this video, although I have followed your battle, and Im bawling like a baby. You are an inspiration. I know it was hard but your brave face was the best Ive ever seen.
I am new to your blog and just watched this video. I am crying. You are a brave woman. I’ve not been through cancer myself, but was a caregiver to my father going through chemo. It’s a tough road and you are doing it with grace. Hugs to you and your beautiful family!
You have inspired me through craftiness and now you continue to inspire me with your courage. Thank you for posting this and sharing with everyone. I will keep your family in my prayers.
I just stumbled on your sight. This brought back so many memories and tears, tears tears. I waited until my hair started falling out. One morning, got out of the shower and notice clumps of hair on my shoulders and towel. Went and got my girls, bent my head over and let them shave away. We had all spoke together before about it they wanted to help shave my head. Its a strange feeling but its almost a jolt into the push and fight ahead. Ive been in remission for almost 4 years and hope to stay that way. NHL hasnt has no hold on me. Keep fighting! You are an inspiration to me.
You are so brave and beautiful. I’m a new follower…….this video will encourage so many women!! You are a beautiful soul. God bless you Ashley!
You and your family are amazing! Stay strong, you are beautiful!
I am so touched by this video. I think you are so beautiful both inside and out. I love the way you are facing this. You are such an inspiration and your mama- God bless her, she’s awesome and your sweet hubby! Thank you for sharing this video. Many years ago my cousin who had cancer asked me to shave her hair. She had a great attitude too. She beat it!!!!
She is beautiful with or without hair. She glows.
I’m sitting her crying my eyes out after watching your video. Not because you were sick. Not because you had to shave off all of your beautiful hair. I am crying tears of happiness because your video is filled with Joy and true Love. 🙂 I wish you and your family long, happy and healthy lives.
Patty xo 🙂
Dear Ashley,
I´ve been following your blog for a while and I´m truly inspired with your energy!
I cried watching this video… I cried and I am not sure why… It simply touched me and if I think more about it I think that my tears were not because you had to cut your hair, not even because of the cancer (you´re fighting it and you will win this fight) … I think my tears started to roll down because of one look that your daughter gave you while they were shaving your head… She was looking at you as a little girl, still confused cause she´s facing this things for the first time and it ain´t easy.. all little girls simply love mommy´s hair… I could see she was sad.. and it the same time she looked to me like an adult “trapped” inside of hers child body supporting her mom, understating everything and being there for you… That look was pricless! She will be such a great person when she grows up.. she already is, you and your husband, you did good job!
xo
T.
Your are Gorgeous, with or without hair! You can see that your family loves you very much! Stay strong.
What a very touching video. It is very encouraging to see you with the support and love of your family and friends. You are a beautiful woman with or without hair. Thank you for sharing.
your amazing strength and your awesome family support just made me break into tears. Ashley you are such a beautiful girl with a face like that who needs hair! you are so inspiring…so hang tough even on the days you dont want to, because GOD is using you to show other women IT CAN BE DONE and gracefully! Thank you for sharing. i love your blog!
I came across your web page – kind of by accident. I went through many of your items you have posted. Just as I was going to log off, I thought I would watch your video. In one word, you are truly INSPIRATIONAL! Your beautiful and have amazing strength. The kiss from your husband – brought me to tears. Sienna’s picture on your scalp – priceless. Your mom – empowering! The love from your friends and family is endearing. Prayers for you as you continue your battle.
My girlfriend forwarded me your video because I recently had my head shaved (June 1, 2012). I took have had my hair extremely long for most of my life and watching it fall out in clumps was very traumatizing for me to see. After watching your video I realized instantly you were much more stronger and positive about the whole process then I was. I on the other hand cried the moment I saw the shears, had to be turned away from the mirror, closed my eyes and cried the whole way through. My husband was there holding my hands but constantly telling me how beautiful I was, of course I didn’t believe him but once I saw my reflection the first words out of my mouth were “oh, I don’t look so bad…let’s try on some wigs!”. You’re an amazing and strong woman and I love watching your video over and over again. You have an amazing family…what a blessing!
That was an beautiful video. Thanks so much for sharing yourself and your life with us. You and your mother are gorgeous women. May you heal fast. Strength and peace to you.
Hey Ash!!!
I just found this site. You are an inspiration to us all.
I love your honesty, your strength and your joy.
What a beautiful tribute to anyone battling anything – cancer, loss, you name it.
There is so much hope…and through God’s amazing Grace you have been given the opportunity to touch so many people.
You are SO beautiful inside and out.
I am keeping you and your beautiful family in my prayers.
Keep on inspiring us all!
Love,
Julie Allen Whittington (Latin ’95!!)
Shaved my head about 3 weeks ago to show my support for all who have been affected by cancer. You are absolutely gorgeous. 🙂 And I completely understand what you mean about your head getting cold!
Stumbled upon this. Very touching. So great you had the foresight to give to others.
Hey Ash!
It’s Julie, from Latin. Ryan just found your website and passed it along to me. You are such an inspiration to us all. Through God’s grace you have been given a gift to bring hope and joy to anyone struggling with cancer, loss, pain, you name it.
You are so beautiful, inside and out and I am so touched by your story.
Your website is awesome!
I will be keeping you and your beautiful family in my prayers.
Love,
Julie Allen Whittington
Ha!
I see my post from yesterday did show up – it was not showing up so I reposted today :):)
Julie
I have followed you for ages, I have your blog linked on mine and yet somehow, in the busy-ness of life and my neglacting my blog for the past several months I failed to realize you are fighting cancer.
This video was amazing…it brought a flood of tears and memories for me as a little over 8 years ago my husband did the same thing for me. I wish I had been as brave and strong as you! But I am happy to be able to post on your blog to encourage you that you can get through this. I went through surgery and chemo, and I was pregnant thru it all and I now have health and a beautiful 7 year old baby girl. It was a dark time, but I am here today to be an encouragement to others.
Just think of the book you will be able to write in years to come! Feel free to email me if you’re ever having a dark moment and just need a little pick me up. Cancer sucks but its not the end of the world!!!
Hi Ashley,
I wanted to say that I have no idea how I ended up here and from the date this was posted a long time ago also I am a quiet lurker usually and rarely post (very shy) But I had to here. I haven’t watched the video yet but am in tears already. Not because I feel sorry for you but because I feel happy for you that you have a great support system, and you’re moral is great, you’re sense of humor also very positive. My mom just had her last pet scan and all came back great but I remember all to well the battle she had to go thru but she was by herself in a different country (lack of health ins) but she had great Dr and friends (she made along the way) that kept her in good spirits. So you’re post just took me back to that time where I found out just how Strong my mom is. I wish you and your family the best now when I stop boohooing I’ll watch the video 🙂
Hey Ashley,
I just came across you story tonight and want you to know how touched I was that you have been so brave to share your journey with everyone. I just couldn’t stop read and your video are the best. We wish you the very best and God Bless you and give you the strength for your journey!
Please take care
Patricia
You are amazing!! I LOVE your blog and i didn’t know your story. i did a post for you in my blog!
You are beautiful and inspiring. Thank you.
my gracious. the love in just these few minues of video – immense!!!
tears of JOY just fell out of my face one after the other…
you are truly an inspiration, lady. youre beautiful on the outside but the beauty that is obviously within you just radiates through your pores.
all the love in the world to you. god bless. youve been in my prayers for a long time 🙂
I just came across your blog last night via pinterest and stayed up until 3:30 a.m. reading your story – – Wow, God has gifted you with incredible courage. Your honest, heartfelt sharing through writing, images, and video are a true inspiration to me and clearly, so many others. It empowers me to want to get back into my blog and to be more transparent! Blessings on you and your family. May I leave you with a favorite quote that I gave to my mother-in-law when she was fighting breast cancer and lung cancer simultaneously (she is now 18 months cancer-free, praise God!):
“And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
-Excerpt from the poem “God Knows” by Minnie Louise Haskins, made famous by King George VI who read it in his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the British empire.
What a wonderful thing to do – I am sure this will help many, many people for now and years to come – you and your Mom obviously share very special qualities so good luck with everything and I will keep following – I logged in as I too love being creative but you truly are an inspiration to others in more ways than one!!!! Beautiful children too by the way – wishing you happy thoughts and life xxxx
Hi Ashely,
I just found your blog this week and discovered this video today. What a beautiful display of grace and strength. Thank you for sharing this with everyone.
Rae
This will be my night tonight. Although I can only hope that I can handle it with as much grace as you did. I love that you smiled through it. This made me cry my eyes out though. Hopefully, I can cry it all out now and look at it from your perspective, that it means the chemo is working. The quote at the end was my favorite part. I may have to use that one myself today. Thank you for sharing this.
Ashley, I just read your blog every now and then, obviously…and just from that little bit I just thought that if I actually knew you I would consider you a strong woman, a good friend, a person that enjoys every minute. After this post, and this video, I know all these things to be true, especially that you are strong.
Me, my children, and my husband are all praying for you and your family (my children say especially for little boo)
Thank you so much for sharing such a personal journey! My mom and aunt are survivors of breast cancer and my best friend’s mom is working on her radiation treatments. I will mostly likely get breast cancer but it is women like you and the aforementioned that make me less scared and more empowered. You are all beautiful strong women who encourage the rest of us. I just want to know how much of an impact you are making on not only us but your daughter. Though she is young she will remember how strong you. I was seven when my mom was diagnosed and I can still remember her sitting on my bed with me and she told me. She is the strongest and most loving person I know and I have no doubt that you are the same way. My prayers are with you and your family and remember you are strong, beautiful, and you will win!
Both you and your family are beautiful. Keep fighting.
— 29 year old cancer survivor.
Thank you for sharing. Although I couldn’t watch the whole thing, it’s wonderful to see the way your family treated it. There were smiles! My mom had to do the same when I was eight, and for my family, it was quite a somber occasion. Everyone was sobbing, I ran off to lock myself in my room… Apparently I’m still affected.
I’ve enjoyed your blog for a while, and you are amazing. Stay strong & I wish you and your sweet family all the best.
You are one beautiful woman…..in oh so many ways!
Stumbled across your blog, and I love it. I watched the video and it brought me to tears. Last week my mother was diagnosed with cancer & I can’t even begin to imagine what this journey has in store for my family. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I came across this video while chasing a pin I found on Pinterest for photographing a Christmas tree at night. This video brought me to tears. I’m a young breast cancer survivor, 4 years out, and I vividly remember the day I cut my hair before I lost it all and donated it to Locks of Love. It was fun, but very emotional too. Your husband looks SO sweet and supportive, the way he kissed you so lovingly as you shaved your head. It reminds me of how awesome and loving and supportive my own husband was (and still is!) during that extremely difficult time. You are truly beautiful!! Thank you for sharing this.
Te visito mucho pero no habia visto el video y eso que me interesaba saber como proceder y cuando me caeria el pelo, me ha ayudado tu animo, y no ha sido nada traumatico, dispongo de la ayuda de toda mi familia y amigos, que es muy importante, yo no soy guapa pero me siento guapa, en mi blog no tengo video pero si las fotos que me hizo mi marido en la peluqueria. No pongo mas fotos por creer que la gente no les gusta verlas pero para mi no es ningún problema. Besos espero que estes bien. cosasmiasquecontar.blogspot.com
I just stumbled across your blog from a pin on Pinterest and began following you. While reading one of your posts this morning I found this video. You are truely the most beautiful bald woman I have ever seen. I hope you are recovering well. Chemo can take a beating on the body for years after treatment. Best of luck to you!
Ashley.. I wanted you to know how much your video deeply touched my best friend and I. My BFF was diagnosed in late summer 2012 with lung cancer. A few days later, she sent me your video and we watched it over the phone together and cried. Your experience was so beautiful and made it a little easier for her to prepare to lose her own hair. After she shaved her head, she allowed her 3 little girls (ages 2, 4, 6) to draw on her scalp with magic markers – and that took away the fear for all of them. She looked so beautiful. Unimaginably, she passed 31 days ago. It is impossible to believe she’s gone, so young and so fast. I wanted to thank you for your bravery and courage to share this video. Because of you, I know someday her girls will remember how brave and beautiful their mommy was the day they drew pictures on her head.. and I will remember that phone call and how we cried and how empowered we felt to fight to the end. Thank you.
YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL PERSON!! I am still in tears as I write this :’) I am just amazed at what you had to endure to get where you are now! Everyday lived is a day of being blessed! It really makes me reflect on my own life and what I could do to be better or do better. I have adored you since I first started sewing. I remember looking at all your patterns and thinking “i wish i had that talent”. Slow and steady if you want something bad enough you’ll get there! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely video! And thank you so much for being such an inspiration to me. You are beautiful inside and out! I only hope to someday shine as beautifully as you do 🙂
ps: you have a gorgeous family 🙂
xoxo,
Shio
With this video, I went from sad, tearful, happy to strong. Reflecting on my own battles with ovarian cancer at the age of 11, I now realize that that journey to survivorship (18 years later) is ever present. I love, love, love your video and how you took something that is damning to many woman and conquered it with courage. And how you’re setting your journey on the direction you want to go. Soooo positive and uplifting. Thank you much for this vlog, and allowing me to realize that I’m stronger than I ever know…
Thanks for this! What a lovely video! I hope you are doing well? My bestest lst cousin just had a double mastectomy and soon to have reconstruction. I am (so far!) a melanoma survivor, stage IIb. I have scars but somehow got lucky enough to not have chemo.
Ashley thank you for sharing this video. It touched me so deeply. You are without doubt a beautiful person inside and out. I pray the Lord will continue to watch over you and your beautiful family .
An amazing Woman.
Be Fine <3
Wow. That was beautiful and I wish you much luck at fighting this. You have a beautiful family and your blog will be one I will now start following.
Sending lots of healing energy.
Maria
I’m crying at the love that speaks here. Cancer survivor, daughter, husband, mother, friends, photographer, hairdresser…this is such a wonderful video – and blog.
I had a huge support system 6 years ago for my breast cancer – I shaved my head after waiting to play with color until almost too late. It was falling out by the handfuls and I wanted to bleach it platinum. I took washable paints to work (I am a hairdresser) and let clients and friends play artist on my head. The most fun was a client who brought temporary tattoos in and I let everyone give me a new tattoo every day.
I knew I couldn’t wear anything on my head because I was always too hot anyway., My niece who died from leukemia 25 years ago hated her wig because it was too scratchy and itchy and I didn’t even want to try that. Thank you Sherry. Olive juice.
I wore a breast cancer baseball cap outdoors for sun protection and went bareheaded the entire time. My hair had grown back about an inch when I decided this was the Halloween that I would get to be slick bald, so I again clippered my head, then used a razor to slick it up and went as Mr. Clean.
I had fun with it all and honestly never ever was freaked out about losing my hair. My clients and coworkers and friends and family were all incredibly supportive and absolutely were the best thing that ever happened to me.
This is an amazing journey and I’m so glad you are able to share it all with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me how awesome people are.
When I saw your video for the first time you were right in the middle of your treatment. I followed you through your triumph. Never in a million years would I have know its my day for right of passage and cutting all my hair off because the chemo is working and I have BREAST CANCER. I am a mom, grandma ,care giver to our 10 yrs old grandson and wife but thanks to finding your site and watching your family I can do this !!Thanks Ashley even years later you will inspire some to keep going and never give up !~!