by Amanda Rink, Editor
Ashley Reiter has always been a soothing voice in the chaos. As a 911 dispatcher, she has spent years answering emergency calls and helping others through some of their hardest moments. But this summer, Ashley found herself on the other end of a crisis.
In early June, Ashley discovered a lump in her breast. Within weeks, she had undergone a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, and a battery of appointments with specialists. On July 7, she received her diagnosis: invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative, grade III, stage 2 breast cancer.
According to recent statistics, 2,940 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the state of Iowa this year. This makes it the most common cancer diagnosis.
“It’s all overwhelming, to say the least,” Ashley shared with The Wright County Monitor. “In just three weeks, I got my diagnosis, met with a surgical oncologist and a medical oncologist, had an MRI, and now I’m getting ready for treatment. Everything moved so fast.”
Ashley, 35, is a devoted wife to Tyler. The couple have been together for 18 years and share two boys, Henry (10) and George (8). She’s also the “dog mom” to two pups, Rocky the black lab and Vernon the blue tick coonhound, both age 9. When she isn’t working or caring for her family, Ashley loves being outside, fishing, gardening, and traveling. But these days, her focus is on healing and holding her family close.
Ashley’s treatment plan is extensive. She will undergo eight rounds of chemotherapy over 24 weeks. Depending on how her tumor responds to chemo, she may also need radiation or maintenance chemo. She’ll continue with immunotherapy for a year.
“The hardest part so far has been emotional,” Ashley shared. “I’ve just been trying to process what this next year is going to look like for me and my family.”
She’s been honest and open with Henry and George about her diagnosis and the road ahead. “It was really hard to tell them,” she said. “But I knew it was important to be truthful. We have all learned to take it one day at a time.”
As difficult as the diagnosis has been, the outpouring of support from Clarion and beyond has deeply moved her. “People near and far have donated money, cooked meals, sent cards, and my sister started a shirt fundraiser,” Ashley said. “It’s been overwhelming, in the best way.”
Now, the Reiter family is asking for continued community support through fundraisers to help with medical expenses, travel, and time away from work. A meal train has also been organized for those who wish to help by providing food.
“If people are wondering how they can help,” Ashley said, “I think it’s so important to support the families going through this, not just the patient. A hot meal, a card, a kind word… it all matters.”
You can sign up for a meal online: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/n4r94e
She also shared an important message for everyone: “Listen to your body. Don’t skip your physicals or screenings. Nothing is more important than your health.”
As she begins treatment, Ashley holds onto hope. “After this is over, I’m looking forward to relaxing,” she stated.
Thankfully, the 5-year breast cancer survival rate in Iowa sits at 90 % for all stages combined
If you’re interested in making a cash donation to the Reiter family, please do so through Venmo at @fightlikeAshley.
