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Community Rallies Around Mt. Juliet Mom Battling ALS

Posted at 5:11 PM, Nov 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-07 21:19:09-05

We first introduced you to Ashley Vickers one year ago. Her youngest, Knoxx, was just 14 months old. On the day he was born, Ashley's life changed forever.

ALS has attacked her nervous system. The once active mother of four, nurse, and event planner has had to learn how to rely on a support network to get by day to day.

"I have to rely on nine different women to come over and raise my kids, and that is hard but I'm grateful," Ashley said. 

Her next door neighbor, Jami Gilbert has watched Ashley bravely face this debilitating disease. "It was hard to watch, she's so young and has such a beautiful family and is such a good mom," said Gilbert. 

Some of the symptoms have gotten worse in the last year, "my hands have gotten worse, my arm strength," Ashley explained. 

In January, she went to Russia for stem cell treatment and believed it's one of the main reasons the disease hasn't progressed further.

"We have good days and bad days, but there's always something good in our day, always," sister-in-law, Krystal Morris said. 

However, daily activities like bathing have become a challenge. A new downstairs bedroom and shower will give Ashley the space she needs but it's expected to cost $30,000.

Again, her community stepped up to help. On Saturday, Mt. Juliet Middle School will host a "5K to Run Down ALS," all the donations will go to help Ashley and her future expenses.

"We'll also need a handicap car soon, in the future. We'll also need a ramp," said Ashley. 

"whatever good you can do for your neighbor, do it. Be the best person you can be, respect life and show respect for it," said Morris. 

To register for the 5K run, click here. To donate to their gofundme page, click here.