Meet Ashley: Slam Dunking for CFS and Fibromyalgia

Posted by: gretchen on May 4, 2007 in Inspiration: Yes She Can!

Ashley's PhotoAshley is not your typical kid. At the age of 12, she has already started her own successful online business called Slam Dunks Apparel. The Massachusetts sixth grader enjoys booting up her computer and creating designs with funny quotes and sayings, girl power designs, sports themes, monkey t-shirts, and other cute characters which are displayed on apparel and gift items such as T-shirts, hoodies, bibs, bags, hats, mugs, stickers, magnets and more. Ashley is more than just an entrepreneur. She is also raising money to find a cure for a condition that affects millions of people around the world, the majority of which are women.

My business began as a way to promote awareness for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and to raise money for research. My aunt has been living with CFS for 6 years, and I want to do whatever I can to help find a cure. My original designs were focused on CFS, and then Fibromyalgia was added. In order to help the business grow, I started to create fun t-shirts for all ages. I will donate a minimum of 10% of all profits to the CFIDS Association of America.

Ashley and her artwork are making waves. Kimberly McCleary, the president of the CFIDS Association of America, has invited Ashley to fly to Washington, DC, with her aunt and uncle where she will attend the CFIDS Association’s Lobby Day on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 15. They are planning to meet with leaders to explain to what is needed for CFIDS research and treatment.

When she is not designing new items for Slam Dunks, Ashley can be found playing baseball, babysitting, working on the computer, and investing.

Check out these designs by Ashley:

You can see more of Ashley’s artwork at Slam Dunks Apparel.

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3 Responses on “Meet Ashley: Slam Dunking for CFS and Fibromyalgia”

  1. 910156

    Pam | May 4th, 2007 12:36 pm

    Gretchen, you’re awesome… thanks so much for recognizing Ashley’s work on your site! I’m still amazed at how much she has accomplished in less than a year! I encourage your readers to check out this week’s two newspaper articles about Ashley’s work on her website’s Media page, the second one just came today. I’m glad yesterday’s article mentioned your site, I hope we can help your community grow :)

  2. 910156

    Tina | May 8th, 2007 2:11 am

    I’m very impressed by your ideas and your love for your aunt. I have fibro and just wanted to thank you for your compassion. Thought I would be better by now(after 7 years), but I’m not. The thought of people like you out there made me feel better after a very rough day today, and more importantly hopeful about the future.
    Good Job! Tina(aunt of 22 nieces and nephews)

  3. OpenSourceCommunity.org | May 10th, 2007 6:56 am

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