We are thrilled to nominate a dear friend, Ashly, who works at Spero Academy, a school in Northeast Minneapolis designed to benefit students with autism and other disabilities. Ashly is a Special Education Paraprofessional. She works tirelessly to make sure her students receive the necessary attention and support to ensure they are growing educationally, emotionally, and socially. She is so focused on her students’ needs that she often forgets to take care of herself or even eat lunch.
At home, Ashly has two beautiful children that are the center of her world, both of whom have needs of their own, which includes health concerns, and academic and disability challenges. Ashly advocates for her kids, makes sure they are living full lives, and works endlessly to keep them active, healthy, and happy.
Earlier this year, Ashly was diagnosed with epilepsy, causing her to miss a significant amount of work. She spends her time trying to travel to doctor’s visits for her children, and now for herself as she learns more about her new diagnosis. She spends weeks at Mayo Clinic making sure her children get proper care. It’s hard to imagine the impact this diagnosis, along with missing work, has had on her and her family. No matter the obstacles she encounters, she continues to stay positive, empathetic and giving to all those around her. There are few people that work harder than she does. Therefore, with help from Christmas Wish, Karly and I, along with the rest of the Spero Academy staff, hope we can show Ashly how much we love and respect her.
Our wish for Ashly is that she has a special holiday season. Ashly constantly worries about everyone else and always puts herself second, and we can’t imagine the financial stress all of this has put on Ashly. Having recently learned the she has been struggling to keep up with bills, Ashly also worries about keeping the family fed and paying for gas to get back and forth to work and the mounting doctor visits. Our simple hope this holiday season is to give back to a woman who is always giving to others.
Please help us grant this wish to Ashly
We were so excited to grant this Christmas Wish for Ashly and her family!
For the Wunderlich family we gave a $500 Coborns Delivers Gift Card, $101 SuperAmerica Gift Card, $100 Davanni’s Pizza gift card, $75 Wild Bill’s gift card, $50 Minnesota Zoo gift card plus gift cards for a night out.
For Ashly, $125 Massage Retreat & Spa gift card, Vera Bradley Wallet courtesy of Pepsi, micro plush robe, yoga pants, water bottle, blanket and Soap & Glory Pamper kit. 10-year-old Abby received clothes and winter accessories, water bottle, blanket, arts & crafts and books. Fr 9-year-old Gage, winter accessories and clothes, books, Pokémon cards, water bottle and blanket.
We couldn't do KDWB's Christmas Wish without your donations. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Special thanks to Venture Bank. Plus, part of the donations will automatically go to YouthLink to help homeless youth in the Twin Cities.
LISTEN: Dave Ryan calls to surprise the Wunderlich Family with a KDWB Christmas Wish
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