OCEANSIDE, Calif. — A 24-year-old woman living with cerebral palsy has a dream to someday walk again.
In this Zevely Zone, I met Ashley Keen and her amazing big sister.
San Diego County is filled with generous people. Two sisters need your help to make one big dream come true. "She loves getting out of the house, she will not let me keep her in the house," said Tiffany Curtis.
Ashley Keen was born with cerebral palsy and is non-verbal.
Ashley has a mom, dad and seven siblings, but for the past eight years her big sister, Tiffany, has been her caregiver.
"I would have wished that her other siblings would have, you know, helped out a little but you know life just kind of gets in the way," said Tiffany. "She wants to be with family. She is very loving, very loving and she shows appreciation for everything I do for her, maybe not right now, ha, ha."
During our interview, Ashley got fussy and bit her arm because she wanted a snack and a juice box.
Taking long walks through parks calms Ashley down.
"You are one amazing big sister do you know that?" I said.
"Thank you," said Tiffany while pushing Ashley in her wheelchair.
Ashley can also get overstimulated.
During our interview, she waved her arms in front of Tiffany. "How do you remain so calm and unflappable?" I asked.
Tiffany told me, "I have been a big part of her life, for her entire life, you're alright sissy you're okay."
During restless times like these, the sisters go to the beach and theme parks. The more active they stay, the happier Ashley feels which led me to this story.
"We've had a dream for several years now to get Ashley an adaptive bicycle," said Tiffany.
It's a special bike that both sisters could ride at the same time. The ultimate dream would be for that bike to strengthen Ashley's legs and allow her to walk again. "
Yeah definitely, she has stood before, she has taken steps before," said Tiffany.
The adaptive bike costs $10,000. Tiffany cannot afford to buy it, so she put flyers up all over town to raise money and launched an online fundraiser with little to no response.
"Not a whole lot right now," said Tiffany. At the time of our interview, they had raised 95 dollars.
"I think we can do better," I said. "We've got some generous viewers."
Tiffany added, "I am hoping so. I am really hoping so."
Again, staying active is the key. Ashley comes alive when she's invited to be a guest cheerleader at local schools or go to trampoline parks.
Imagine what a jumpstart 'walking' would be for her life.
"That would mean everything, everything for me and for Ashley," said Tiffany.
I asked what would Ashley would say during our interview if she could talk to me. "She would probably say make sure that there is a speaker box with music connected to my new bicycle so I can jam while I am riding," laughed Tiffany.
We played one of Ashley's favorites and suddenly she started bopping her head and dancing in her chair. It was very inspiring to see her spirit come alive.
We are hoping her response might motivate people reading this article to help the sisters buy the bike and get their dream on the road.
Ashley's doctor and physical therapist both wrote letters stating the adaptive bike would help her mentally and physically, but her health insurance wouldn't pay for it. If you'd like to donate, click here.