Sylvia Crawford: Glen Ellen takes up ‘Ashley’s Fight’

Sharing and ?caring forever

Sonoma Valley has always been a caring community of good folks who help one another. Glen Ellen, in particular, has led that movement since the early days when we moved here.

Back in the ’70s and ’80s, the benefits for Elinor Wonacott, Paul Crowe and Laila Shere come to mind: all Glen Ellen young people suddenly confronted with a cancer diagnosis.

Immediately, the good folks of our town came together to give support, aid, enthusiasm and hope for restored health and much needed money to the families. Dozens of other families have been celebrated and supported in the ensuing years.

Generations ?in Glen Ellen

Today, this column deals with another lovely local gal who needs our help. This past April, lifelong Sonoma Valley resident Ashley Pound was diagnosed with breast cancer, triple negative (an especially aggressive form). She’s well cared for, going through two surgeries and now chemotherapy, with radiation to follow.

Not only has Ashley spent her 27 years of life in our Valley, her roots are here in Glen Ellen.

Ashley’s grandmother is Cheryl Pound Taylor, a name many of you may remember. I certainly do. Cheryl and her husband now live in Shasta Lake, with frequent visits to the Valley where her daughter and granddaughter live.

For decades, Cheryl was a neighbor on Warm Springs Road (right across the street from the well-known Marguerite Booher house), later living on Hill Road (across from the Gene Tunney family). An active volunteer with the GE Firefighter’s Auxiliary, as well as Dunbar School and Hanna Boys Center, Cheryl has been one to step right up and help whenever and wherever she can.

Living the local life

Cheryl worked at the Sonoma Cheese Factory, Sonoma Office Supply and later Washington Mutual Bank, while raising her two children Diana and Michael, who attended Dunbar, Altimira and Sonoma Valley High.

Diana Mowery, Cheryl’s daughter, is Ashley’s mom. Diana shared that Ashley attended Dunbar also, in kindergarten and her early elementary years. All three women love this town and are grateful for the friends they have made during those years here. In our conversation, Dorothy Spratt’s name came up, both of us blessing Dorothy’s wonderful influence on so many young folks in this town. Yes, she was a love.

Eager to return

It is Dorothy’s love that we all summoned as we discussed young Ashley’s current difficulties. Because of her cancer care, Ashley is currently on disability leave from her job at Sonoma Market and Glen Ellen Village Market. As for that, she speaks highly of her supervisors Al Minero and Stacia Rodden. The markets provide a job she loves and she’s eager to return.

Friends have set up a “Go Fund Me” account to raise money to help pay for Ashely’s medical expenses, which are in excess of $10,000 and rising. You can contribute to that directly at www.gofundme.com/27kqyf6c, or by searching for “Ashley’s Fight by Val Moody – Go Fund Me.”

Breaking bread ?at the Moose

Even more than direct cash, the family would love to see you at one of several fundraisers for Ashley.

As a former chef at Uncle Paddy’s and a volunteer cook for dinners and bingo snacks at the Moose Lodge, Ashley’s mother Diana is well-trained to provide a delicious meal at the benefits.

Diana says that her husband, Kevin Mowery, and her friend Mary Welsh are her helpers and organizers. On Saturday, July 30 they are holding a Prime Rib Dinner at the Moose Lodge. The event begins at 5 p.m. with appetizers, continuing with dinner at 7 p.m. The cost of the evening is $30 with all profits benefiting Ashley’s medical care. You can reserve your place by calling the Moose Lodge at 996-3877.

Of course, Diana hopes that you will make reservations because that makes her planning easier, keeping costs down. However, all are welcome, even that evening.

A second benefit is planned for Sunday, Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon, again at the Moose Lodge, this time featuring Kevin’s great breakfast, which many will remember from earlier Moose Lodge days.

Sylvia Crawford can be reached at creekbottom@earthlink.net.