What am I doing?

I’m walking to support the Grand Rapids Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure because I want to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Please help me reach my fundraising goal by making a tax-deductible donation today.

You may donate online with your credit card by clicking the “Support” button. Your support helps us get another step closer to a world without breast cancer.

Your breast health…
The greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being female and growing older. Breast cancer knows no boundary, be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s one in eight within your company, school and organization!

The key to survival is early detection. Three simple steps for early detection are regular mammograms, clinical exams and breast self-exams. And, remember, breast cancer affects more than just the patient; friends and family need support too.

Ashley's Bio

My name is Ashley Tiesman and I am a breast cancer awareness supporter. I am going into the 5th grade this fall. I started supporting breast cancer awareness when my principal, Mrs. Reagan and my grandmother were diagnosed. My grandmother went through two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation and was very lucky because she did not have any side effects. Today she is a breast cancer survivor.

In May of 2009 I put together a breast cancer awareness fundraiser called “Pink Day” at my school, Georgetown Elementary. I want people to know that I support breast cancer awareness. Pink Day was a big success. The hallways of the school were a sea of pink. I think over 95% of the school wore pink that day. My family was so supportive. Even my grandmother and grandfather came from Illinois to be a part of Pink Day at my school. They were a big help. We had a table set up at the front of the school for parents, teachers and students to purchase breast cancer awareness products. We sold teddy bears, back sacks, charm bracelets, wrist bands, rings and water bottles. We had a contest for students and teachers to see who wore the most pink in each class.

We had several donations that really helped our fundraiser. The final of how much we raised was $1100. About a week after Pink Day three board members from the Susan G. Komen Grand Rapids affiliate came to my school so I could present them with the check for $1100. They had some surprises for me that made me very happy. They brought me some Susan G. Komen breast cancer awareness gift. I wanted to participate in the 3-day race for the cure but I found out I was too young. The board members gave me a special invitation to be able to walk in the Grand Rapids breast cancer walk in September. That made me very happy.

I am so happy that I got into supporting breast cancer awareness because it makes me feel like a better person. I have a motto that I use which is “Every girl deserves a Lifetime” which is what I believe.


Ashley Tiesman