My name is Ashley McCrary and I am an Auburn Alum 1992. I was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Ocular Melanoma (you may have heard of the unusual number of AU Alumni with this rare disease.) I was originally diagnosed in 2012 and had to have my right eye removed. Eight years later, in October 2020, the cancer metastasized to my liver. Typically the prognosis is not good after metastasis and life expectancy is 2 years. I had treatment for 8 months only to find out the treatment was not working. Fortunately for me a clinical trial came open and I’ve been traveling to Philadelphia once a week for treatments for 87 weeks!! I recently had progression of the cancer and am pursuing radiation in addition to the trial I’m on. 

I’m a HUGE Auburn fan and live in Auburn. I was recently one of the cancer patients recognized at the Women’s basketball game for their AUTlive event.

This week when I showed up for treatment my entire infusion team had on AUTlive shirts. You helped one of the nurses, Eddie Leggo, get the shirts in time to wear for my treatment today. 

When I walked in and saw all the shirts I burst into tears. The support of this team here is amazing. Needless to say the are all pulling for Auburn on Thursday. 

Thank you for your part in making this day happen. It brightened my day. Please thank Coach Pearl and the foundation for their work supporting cancer patients. What a huge difference this makes!

I know full well the insane cost of treatment and the fact that 100% of proceeds goes to help offset expenses. This foundation makes a difference.