Ashley’s Story
On June 22, 2013 I lost my only child, my beautiful twenty nine year old daughter Ashley (see photo). She was tragically taken from this world because 911 was not called in time of her critical need for help. The person at her side was on probation with upcoming court dates and worried about the implications of making this crucial phone call to save her life. He instead let her die and her lifeless body lay on the floor for between 4-6 hours before any assistance was called. The cause of her death was mixed drug toxicity.
Unfortunately Ashley suffered from the disease of addiction. But, her prescription drug addiction did not define her. She was so much more than that.
Ashley came from a very close, loving family that simply put, adored her. She was the center of our lives. She was a daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend. We were all blessed to have her in our lives. She loved her family, friends, children and animals.
Ashley was a bright, inquisitive, animated child who overflowed with joy. Most importantly is the beautiful women she became. Compassionate, caring, loving, positive, energetic, and always smiling. She was a volunteer and also worked full time as a gifted massage therapist. Her clients described her as having “magic hands,” ” the bright spot in their day” “sweet and caring”” the best therapist they had ever been to” Ashley was always on the leader board as the top requested therapist. She loved her clients and the healing she provided for them.
Ashley loved nature, camping, knitting, crafting, cooking and most importantly helping others. She dreamt of having children and a family. She had a passion for life that was evident to all of us that were so blessed to have had her in our lives.
I volunteered with the Steve’s Law Coaltion, and worked hard to ensure the passage of this important legislation. I believe my beautiful loving daughter would have had the opportunity to fulfill her dreams and be alive today had this law been in place. I will continue my volunteer efforts with the Steve Rummler Hope Foundation to make sure that other families don’t have to experience such a senseless loss. We will work hard to improve care and save lives.
– Michon Jenkin
Volunteer, the “Touched By” group, Steve Rummler Hope Foundation