Once Shattered and Now Whole, Ashley’s Story

Ashley loved motocross racing. But at age 19, another rider landed on top of her. Seven shattered vertebrae. Her spine separated from a broken pelvis. Broken ribs. Her second Level 3 concussion.

“I was both physically and emotionally shattered,” Ashley said. The accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors didn’t expect her to ever walk again. Or have children.

God had other ideas.

Ashley loved motocross racing. But at age 19, another rider landed on top of her. Seven shattered vertebrae. Her spine separated from a broken pelvis. Broken ribs. Her second Level 3 concussion.

“I was both physically and emotionally shattered,” Ashley said. The accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors didn’t expect her to ever walk again. Or have children.

God had other ideas.

Physically, she healed. But there was still more work God needed to do.

The narcotic pain killers prescribed by the doctors became a trap. It wasn’t long before Ashley was a full-blown heroin addict.

“I was in a vicious cycle. On and off the street. In and out of jails. No hope or reason to live.” Ashley’s life became one of gangs, jail, and drugs.

In jail, looking at a possible sentence of 12 years, Ashley was offered early release. She wrote to many programs looking for help. “Teen Challenge was the only one who wrote me back,” she said.

After a month, God began a new work—this time on the inside—and he touched her in a new and special way. “I saw the trajectory of my life change at that moment,” she said. And everything changed.

Today, Ashley is married and has two small children. “I wake up every day, grateful to God that I’m not dead. I’m not in prison. I am a mother.”

In a way, Ashley never left Los Angeles County Teen Challenge. She constantly returns, teaching and encouraging the women, sharing Scriptures with them.

“My life is really simple but it’s so beautiful and every day I give glory to God. If it wasn’t for him and for Teen Challenge, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

In the midst of the chaos that surrounds us today, I love to share Ashley’s story that offers hope to all of us. I’m so grateful that you’ve helped sustain the ministry where Ashley became the young woman, wife and mother God always intended her to be.

Without help from donors like you, Ashley’s story would have been much different. If you’ve already sent a monthly gift, thank you! If not, please send the most generous gift you can today. Looking ahead, many challenges remain.  We need your support—now more than ever.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!