Meeting Ashley was probably the best thing that has happened to me. She taught me many lessons that I ignored and later regretted ignoring. She always had an open ear for anyone that needed a person to hear them out. Ashley was a very smart girl, not to mention how talented she was with her studies, and how she could put her mind to anything and accomplish it. Ashley was also an emotionally intelligent and sensitive lady. She was all the way around the package of a person. Ashley was the only person I felt I could depend on most times when things got rocky. She was there to help pick me back up and tell me to pull myself up by the bootstraps and kick life’s butt. I can go on and on about how great Ashley was, I think anyone who knew her could. Ashley also had a lot of personal issues going on internally and externally. While she was hearing everyone else, she had no time to be heard. I plan to tell my children one day about all the great laughs I’ve had with her and continue to have with her. I want my kids to know how extraordinary Ashley Wilzack was and still is. She continues to touch others with the thought of her and I will forever hold onto that. I’m grateful to say I had the honor of being with her in her last moments. She will forever more be loved and missed by all of us. We love you, Ashley.
-Crystal
I can’t even begin to describe the joy Ashley brought into everyone’s life that knew her. She was fierce, strong in her beliefs, goofy, and had a sarcastic attitude- things I miss about her every day. Ashley would’ve given her last dollar to anyone in need and was so full of life. When she walked into a room it instantly lit up. She loved her mom, brother, sister, and friends fiercely. She constantly talked about how she was going to make a difference in the world. She made a difference in my world and meant so much to me. Ashley was such a big part of my recovery and honestly, without her and other girls I lived with while at Palmerton Place on the campus, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She always knew what to say and how to turn any bad day into a good one. She cooked for me and gave the best advice and the GREATEST hugs. Ashley experienced so much in her life and still never let the struggles dull her shine or personality. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Ashley knew that. I miss her every day, we all do. I’m so grateful I had the chance to live with her for the time we did, and even more grateful that I gained a sister in recovery during that time. We love you, Ashley.
-Mikayla
