HER STORY
The life behind the legacy.
ASHLEIGH BLUMER KOHLITZ · 1986 — 2021
Before the foundation, there was Ashleigh — a sister, wife, mother, athlete, and friend whose strength and love still move everyone who knew her.
She lived a life full of purpose, passion, and love.
Ashleigh was a competitor long before her diagnosis. A Division 1 soccer player at the University of Richmond, she earned a full ride and played the game she loved with everything she had.
Off the field, she was the same person: fiercely determined, deeply caring, and impossible to slow down. She married the love of her life, Brekan, earned her master's degree, and became a mother.
Her brother Robert says she gave him “love, hard work, compassion, and a live-life-to-the-fullest mentality.” That was Ashleigh — all the way, every day.
A fight she met head-on.
For seven years, Ashleigh faced brain cancer with extraordinary strength. Through surgeries, treatment, motherhood, and the uncertainty of scan after scan, she remained positive.
Four weeks before her wedding, Ashleigh was diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma.
A biopsy showed the tumor was more aggressive: a grade 4 glioblastoma. Ashleigh underwent her first craniotomy, followed by rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.
- 2014–2019
For a little over five years, her cancer remained stable. During that time, she became a mother to her son Caden and endured MRI scans every six to eight weeks to learn whether the cancer was stable or growing.
Ashleigh was diagnosed with another glioblastoma in a different area of her brain. She endured another craniotomy, followed by more radiation.
Ashleigh received a trial treatment at Duke University. It did not prove effective against the type of glioblastoma she was fighting, and no other treatments remained available.
Ashleigh passed away at 34, surrounded by the people who loved her.
No matter the day, when you asked how she was doing, her answer was always the same: “Great!”
KICKASH
The army that showed up — and never left.
During her battle, #KickAsh became a rallying cry. Family, friends, coworkers — even strangers — sent photos and messages so Ashleigh would always know she wasn't alone.
That army is still here. Now it carries her forward.
HER STORY, CARRIED FORWARD
Her fight becomes brain cancer research and support. Her competitive fire becomes opportunity for young athletes. Her care for people becomes help for local families. One life, still moving.
CARRY IT FORWARD
Help carry her story forward.
Whether you knew Ashleigh or are meeting her for the first time, you're invited to help keep her legacy moving.
