Prior to returning to Jacksonville State for her sophomore year on the women's golf team, Ashley Stevenson was diagnosed with Parosteal Osteosarcoma--a rare type of bone cancer. She has been undergoing treatment back home in France and will continue for the next 4-5 months.
 
"It breaks my heart for Ashley, and it breaks my heart for her family and teammates that have been through so much with her," said coach Robbie Fields. "The positives are that the cancer is localized and hasn't spread, she is at one of the best hospitals in Europe with one of the best doctors in the world taking care of her, and everyone is optimistic her treatment plan will continue to be successful."
 
Monday, November 17th, Ashley underwent a procedure to remove the tumor from her left femur, as well as a bone transplant for the affected area. Test results have shown only a small percentage of the cancer remained in the tumor, so they will be continuing with the same treatment as it has been effective. Luckily, Ashley's medical expenses will be covered through French healthcare.
 
However, there will be extra expenses for her family which we want to help cover.
 
Due to NCAA rules, we can only donate to Ashley the amount necessary. Any additional funds will be donated to the non-profit, charitable organization of Ashley's choice in her honor.
 
The Jacksonville State Women's Golf Team will have a "birdie-thon" throughout the rest of the season (and include completed tournaments). You can pledge donations by emailing Coach Robbie Fields (rafields@jsu.edu). This Fall, the team made 200 birdies (10.5 per round); we will play 5 more tournaments (15 rounds) this Spring, plus postseason. You can pledge as little as $0.10, with no maximum, per birdie then donate at the end of the season.
 
"Ashley has one of the sweetest hearts a person can have," said Fields. "She loves her teammates, family, friends, and Jax State. She loves the game of golf with a passion that few can match. She is also one of the most stubborn people I know and doesn't back down from anything without a fight—which is one of many reasons why I believe cancer stands no chance against her. She has made it clear from day one that she will be back next Fall to compete, and I have full belief in that."
 
Additionally, donations are being accepted through a GoFundMe account. https://gofund.me/7c6eb82d
 
Sophomore Rachel Camp added, "Ashley is a great teammate, golfer, and an even better friend. She never fails to make us laugh and has made a huge impact on our team. Ashley not only made an impact with her golf, but she also made everyone's day better. I have never met someone as special as Ashley. She loves listening to music and dancing, even if it's at 5am before a tournament. Ashley is a fighter and has such a great outlook on life. We are all rooting for her to "break the cancer" as great as she "breaks the golf course."
 
"She has been an inspiration this Fall—chipping and putting every day she can when not in the hospital," said Fields. "Since day one she has had the attitude that she is going to be a better person—and golfer—because of this challenge."
 
Any donation will be welcomed and appreciated throughout Ashley's journey!
 
"We have missed Ashley's love, energy, karaoke sessions in the van, effort and, of course, her play on the course," said Fields. "Ashley remains an important member of this team, and I know her teammates have been eager to compete for her. One thing is for sure, she has not and will not be fighting alone."