Posted: Jun 27, 2008  10:16

Ashley Lees, a former Wallace resident now living in Arizona, was diagnosed with leukemia when she 15 years old. She went through three years of treatment before the cancer went into remission.

For the last couple years Ashley has been living a normal life without having to go for treatments. She graduated from high school and has been getting on with life.

Now 20 years old, the leukemia has returned. She once again is in Phoenix Children's Hospital and will undergo a stronger form of chemotherapy starting this week and is expected to be hospitalized because of the form of treatment for some time.

Ashley is the daughter of Lori (Koening) and Dave Carauthers of Apache Junction, Ariz. Her father is Stacy Lees of Wichita, Kans. They are all formerly from Wallace. Ashely is the granddaughter of Glenda (Koening) and Sonny Wager of Osburn and is also the granddaughter of the late Mike Koening, Vic and Laretta Lees, all of Wallace.

Through Child Life at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and U.S. Airways, a trip back to Wallace was made possible for Ashley, her mom, step-dad, sister and step-brother. They had known about this trip for some time, and it was just a matter of time when Ashley would be able to stand the flight.

U.S. Airways granted Ashley and her family round-trip tickets to anywhere she wanted to go. She chose to come home to Idaho.

Through the efforts of Mike Koening, Ashley’s uncle, a “Get-to-Gather Benefit Shindig" will be held July 3 at Faucett’s Field, up Placer Creek, starting at 5 p.m. Bring a chair, a coat, a dish to share with others, your preference of drink, and a smile. Come and enjoy the music and company.

Donation jars have been set around the Silver Valley with proceeds to help offset the costs of the wishes, wants and needs of Ashley and her family while they are visiting in Idaho.

Let’s make this a most memorable time for all - hope to see you there.

If any friends of Ashley would like to send her a get well wish, her address is:

Ashley Lees (in care of)
Phoenix Children's Hostpital
1919 E. Thomas
Phoenix, AZ 85016-7710