Cash for Ash

Happy 40th Birthday to our very own Super Woman... Ash, may the next 40 years bring you love, laughs and happiness.
You continue to inspire people every single day, and your strength and determination is admirable💓

It has been a while since we updated you, and (again) we apologise...
We would like to give you all an update on our Ash.

After a bit of a 'concerning' CT scan a few months ago, we were all a bit on edge, as we were told to wait and see what the next scan shows... the radiologist picked something up in Ash's lung, meaning her cancer may have metastasised.
BUT, Ash had another CT scan done earlier this week, and after seeing her oncologist on Thursday, she has been given the all ok! He has put the 'mass' in her lung down to inflammation, and is happy to report... It has cleared!
They have also given her heart a check, and it's good and strong!
So all round, Ash is in such a good space! We are off to celebrate Ash's 40th birthday in a couple weeks (which we are all really looking forward to) and as the saying goes, she really is like a fine wine!

We are so grateful for the memories we have made and are so excited for the millions of memories that we are still going to make!

We love you friend... You've got this, and we've got you ❤️

A huge apology to everyone for the silence...! It is long overdue, but here is an update on our Ash:

We only have good things to report this time around 🥰
Ashley's medication is continuing to work it's magic and they have managed to find the correct dosage that does not interfere with her heart. Both her Oncologist and her Cardiologist continue to monitor Ash on a regular basis, and her appointments have been going really well.
Ash still suffers from some back pain from time to time - when she overdoes it and spends to much time on her feet... but a few days rest seems to help.

We would also like to point out how amazing Ash looks... and feels (for the most part). Ash's strength and determination is nothing short of amazing. No pity parties happen in Ash's house and she shows up EVERY SINGLE DAY!
The support she receives from Steve is remarkable. They are an incredibly strong unit, and have tackled many obstacles together, and always come out stronger on the other side.
The kids have done so well this year, and have taken everything in their stride and continued to thrive, at school and at home.
The big kids have really done well at school - and Gabriel has found he is a very talented rugby player too! Shy little Addy is kicking butt (literally) at karate, and loving every minute... and little Gracen, who's year started off on a bit of an emotional note, heads into Grade 1 next year. Gracen is an absolute machine at taking her mediation every day (for her Thyroid)!

Ash, another year of memories my friend. Another year of birthdays and milestones... here is to the next year of making memories 🥂

You have a special place in ALL our hearts and the love we have for you is so much more than we could ever put into words.
Ashley Rudings

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

First off, we would like to apologize for the silence... sometimes we get caught up in life, and sometimes life gets a little crazy.

I know there are a lot of people wanting to know where our Ash is in her journey... so here is an update ♥️

The last few weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster for Ash... some highs and some lows.
Let's start with the highs. Firstly, Ash is looking like a million bucks, and most days, she feels it too. She unfortunately has started losing her hair (an unfortunate side effect of her medication) but thanks to the Cancer foundation, she has found some stunning wigs that look and feel natural, which helps keep her spirits up.
The biggest high would have to be the news she received recently from her oncologist at Donald Gordon ( Dr Wadee). He has managed to secure her with compassionate stock from the pharmaceutical company that supplies Ash with her medication. This means, that going forward, her meds will be supplied to her at no cost. We are not 100% sure of the timeline, but for now, we celebrate this 'victory'!
Little Gracen (Ash's youngest, who carries the same gene as Ash) had her thyroid removed recently-as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. It seems as though Gracen is just a smaller version of Ash, with the same strength and determination! She handled the op like a champion and has recovered 100%. Barley a scar and she is back to being her feisty little self.

Now, the lows 😔

Ash visited her oncologist last week, for her monthly visit and to discuss the results of her most recent CT scan. They have picked up a new tumour in her liver, however the doctor has said that it is very small in size and at the moment is not too concerned and will need to monitor it over time. He did pick up that Ash has an irregular heartbeat, which he is concerned about. Ash saw a cardiologist during the week, and he has confirmed this. After having a look at Ash's heart, he did say that Ash's heart is strong and there are no physical problems with the muscles or heart itself, and although this could be a side effect of her medication, Ash will be heading to Donald Gordon on Monday for a few days to have some more tests done, under a lung specialist to rule out the likes of an embolism or any other serious conditions.
This has left Ash feeling very 'defeated' as I am sure you can all imagine. She has fought so hard over the last year, and as soon as it feels like she is winning the fight, something comes along that makes the fight even harder.
With good days, come bad days. But the support and love that Ash has received has made the bad days easier to face.

We have said it before Ash, but we will say it again (maybe even a million times more), we are all with you on this journey and you will always have someone to lean on, someone to laugh with, someone to cry with and sometime to talk to.

We know you will get through this Ash, stronger and more determined. We love you for you and all that you are!

Evening All...
It has been a little while since we have updated you all, but Steven has put together a message for you all ❤ Thank you to you all for supporting this amazing family. They have had to deal with so much over the past 10 months, but they still stand strong. An inspiration to us all!

From Steven...

It’s been ages since I last posted an update, so here goes…… warning, long post alert.

It’s been a crazy few months for the Rudings household.

I feel I’m quite a positive person so it’s starting to feel like I’m the Grim Reaper every time I post. This is however our life and what we are dealing with everyday.

Ash is doing well and seems to be handling the medication better than usual. Everyday is however a surprise for her in terms of how she is feeling. Is it a headache, sore stomach, nausea or some back pain ? If we had a four sided coin that’s basically how the odds work daily. Everyday she sucks it up and tries to be a Mom, Wife and an individual. Planning is difficult as your day is never yours however we take the best of everyday and make them count. She has been trying to work a bit these last couple of weeks but it’s just absolutely draining her. What a rockstar !

Gracen has now had her surgery and it went very well. She has almost fully recovered. Although a very difficult decision to make it was the right decision. As a parent you try plan for the surgery and explain what’s going to happen. It never quite works out, the biggest issue for Gracen was the surgery gown she had to wear and the removal of the plaster. Who would have thought ? We have however taken her from a 95% risk of developing cancer to less than 25%, which will change her life significantly. She doesn’t understand what this means yet but one day she will. She told me this week that I need to start riding again as I’m getting fat 😂. Definitely back to her usual self.

Then the latest attack on our family. A couple of weeks ago my Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer 😩. As if all we are facing is not enough. He has not been himself for sometime and this is obviously the reason. His surgery was scheduled for the 11th of January and he is still in ICU. His journey has been anything but pleasant. He had the first surgery and that went well but due to some complications had to have a second surgery. This seems to have resolved most of the problems he was experiencing but left him incredibly weak and on a ventilator. He then developed pneumonia due to his extended time on and off the ventilator. This week a tracheotomy was performed to better manage the situation and thankfully he has been improving nicely. If everything continues as is, we should have him home in 7 - 10 days. This process was supposed to be a 7 - 10 day journey but has turned into almost a month.

The crazy part of this is that based on what I read from his tests and analysis of the tumor, he has Lynch Syndrome. This is similar to what we have faced with Ashley. An affected gene that creates a higher risk of developing cancer. This now means that I need to get tested as I have a 50% chance of having the same gene. If I have the gene then the kids will need to be tested again as they could possibly have the gene 😩. Really ??

This type of cancer is less invasive compared to Ashley’s but it’s still cancer and if not managed is very dangerous. We will need to do more frequent tests to stay on top of it. I just can’t believe that in the space of 10 months this is how cancer has attached its self to our lives. 10 months, it’s absolutely crazy.

At times I feel like a cancer specialist 😩

We continue to takes things one day at a time and make the best of everything. It’s very easy to let something like this consume you but we must push through it and we must do what we can with what we have.

There are a number of you that continue to support us and I am forever grateful. Without your help we would not have been able to do what we have done so far. I can’t thank you enough for what you are doing for our family. The messages, the donations, the interesting stories, it all helps. Thank you 🙏🏼!

This week is going to be an incredibly tough week for our beautiful Ash and the Rudings family. Gracen who is Steve and Ashes youngest child is undergoing surgery this Thursday (Prophylactic Total Thyroidectomy). Gracen unfortunately has the same genetic mutation, as our Ash, which gives her an almost 100% chance of developing the same aggressive Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Steve and Ash had to make the difficult decision for their youngest child, who is currently well, to undergo this surgery to spare her any future suffering that she would have to endure. This is major surgery and we ask you please to keep Gracie and the whole family in your prayers.

As promised... here is an update on our warrior Ash.
Ash met with her oncologist this morning, and received the results of her CT scan she had done on Monday... and the conclusion is... drum roll please - her disease is STABLE!! We have all done a happy dance to celebrate that this disease has been stopped in it's tracks and there has been no growth in her lesions, nor has the disease spread. So, her meds are working and doing their job, which is the best news we could have asked for!
Ash, look at you (and the Caprelsa) shine! We are so proud of you and how you take on the challenges that are thrown at you, not just by Cancer, but the medication and it's side effects as well! You are a trooper, and inspire us each and every day!

Good Afternoon lovely people
Just to give you a quick update… Ash had her CT scan done yesterday, in order for the doctors to see the effectiveness of her current medication.
She is going to be seeing her oncologist tomorrow for the results.
Please can even keep their fingers (and toes) crossed that the results show an improvement.
Medical Aid will only continue paying for her medication if they see that it is effective and having a positive effect.
We will update you all tomorrow, hopefully with some wonderful news
❤️
With you, every step of the way Ashley Rudings

Hi Everyone. So sorry things have been so quiet…

Steven Rudings has something to share… so here goes 🙂

So what’s the latest.

After confirming that Gracen has the same cancer causing gene as Ashley Rudings we have had to get some tests done to see where she currently stands.

My little 5 year old is an absolute pillar of strength. The first blood test was done with not even one tear shed, unfortunately the blood work was incorrectly tested and we needed to do another blood test 😩, as if the first one was not enough. True to her form she was brave as ever and just seemed like another day for her. The nurses where so good and even issued her a certificate for bravery, so special.

On Tuesday she had to have a sonar scan of her thyroid to see if we could pick up any growths or other concerns.

Thankfully everything is absolutely fine in both the blood work and scans. This is such a relief and gives us time to think about the road ahead.

She has a 95% chance of developing cancer like her mom and the option on the table is to remove her thyroid. It sounds like a no brainer but the surgery risks are 10x worse for her as she is so young and petite.

Decisions, decisions, just add that on top of your daily routine.

Thanks again for everyone’s support, you have made this journey so much easier already.

We would just like to take a moment to say thank you… the support this amazing lady has received, both emotionally and financially, is absolutely amazing. People have opened up their hearts in ways we never expected and for this, we are so incredibly grateful!
Ashley Rudings, you are loved, by so many people and having you in our lives makes life so much better!
Again, from the bottom our hearts, thank you. Without you all, none of this would be possible ❤️

So, a Tuesday morning update on our warrior Ash.
Last week was a very emotional and hard week for Ash... 3 weeks into taking her life saving drug, she broke out in a very angry rash - on her chest, arms and back. After seeing the photographs, the oncologist told Ash to stop taking the medication with immediate effect. As you can imagine, this was the worst news as this is the only treatment option that has been given to Ash, and they fought long and hard to get her this medication. We met with the Oncologist yesterday, feeling very anxious about what he would say... but we are so relieved that he has told Ash that the rash is in fact caused by vasodilation, and she can continue her medication. Vasodilation is when the body enhances blood flow to certain areas, as part of an immune defence. She is having this reaction because the Caprelsa has made her skin extremely sensitive. She will now have to avoid direct sunlight whenever possible, wear SPF50 at all times, avoid certain food and drinks, avoid swimming in pools with chemicals etc. This will help avoid the rash from flaring up... not an easy way to live here in sunny SA but it's all worth it as she can carry on taking her life saving medication... so the appointment ended well and put Ash's mind at ease.
Unfortunately, the Rudings family was dealt another blow when they received the results of the genetic testing they had done on Gabriel, Addison and Gracen. Gabriel and Addison were given the all clear, and are not at risk of developing MTC, however little Gracen's results showed she is at risk of developing MTC and carried the same gene as Ash. As parents, this news was devastating, as you have to decide which option is best for your 5 year old daughter, so ensure that she stays strong and healthy for the rest of her life. Steve and Ash will be taking Gracen to a specialist on the 21st of September, to discuss their options and decide on the best way forward.
This year has been hard - and this all just makes it so much harder for them as a family... but the love and support that they have received from everyone has helped immensely, and we thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for this. What is a world without friends, family and support!
Ash, we know that this journey of yours is far from over, but we will walk with you to the ends of the earth, and back again!
Ashley Rudings, you are amazing, don't ever forget that! You've got this - and we've got you!

Thank you so much to 101.9 Chai FM for having Steven Rudings on air today and for bringing awareness to Ashley Rudings story.

For those who are able to donate, we so appreciate any support.

We have two options for donations. 1st is a Cash for Ash bank account and 2nd is our back a buddy page. Details for both are below:

BANK ACCOUNT:
Name of Acc: Cash for Ash
Nedbank Savings Account
Acc Number : 2036507484
Branch: Northgate
Branch Code: 169805
Swift Code: NEDSZAJJ

Or via

BACK A BUDDY: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/ashley-rudings

Thank you for helping us get Ash the treatment she needs and so deserves, so that she can continue being the amazing mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend to all of us.

You’ve got this Ash and we’ve got you ❤️

BackaBuddy Join our weekly Crowdfunding Sessions to learn more about Crowdfunding and how it can work for you!  To register, follow this link.

📣📣📣 EXCITING NEWS 📣📣📣

If you can, please listen in to 101.9 ChaiFm 101.9 Chai FM from 12h00 today as Steven Rudings will be live at 12h10 speaking about Ashley Rudings journey and the Cash for Ash initiative 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

You’ve got this Steve…and we’ve got you 💙

It's been 2 weeks since Ash started her treatment.

We wish we could say that she's feeling great, but the truth is that there are a lot of side effects Ash has been facing.

This however hasn't stopped our incredibly brave and beautiful friend from getting up each day with a smile on her face. She's even been seeing a few clients...her strength and determination is just inspiring.

This coming Friday, the family DNA tests will be back, which is really nerve wrecking for Steve and Ash, but we are praying for good news.

One day, and one step at a time, our incredible friend Ashley Rudings, supported by her phenomenal husband Steven Rudings, and all her family and friends, is moving the mountain!

She is our inspiration and we are so incredibly proud of her.

Thank you again to all of those who continue to support Ash. The contributions, gifts, messages, prayers...they mean the world to Ash and the family.

Ash, you've got this!
And we've got you.

We love you!

Ash’s treatment has officially begun 🤩
She received her medication today, and we are so excited that she has finally reached this point, that seemed so far away, with so many hurdles and bumps in the road.
Dr. Wadee has said that they will give the medication at least a full 2 months, and will then rescan Ash and test her levels to see the progress she is making on the medication.
Ash, we are all in your corner my friend… and I know how hard you guys fought to get this right! Well Done! You deserve this, and so much more ❤️
You’ve got this, and we’ve got you!
Ashley Rudings

With Ash starting radiation on Monday, we wanted to do something special with her this weekend to remind her of all the love and support she has 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

Never in our wildest dreams could we imagine the kindness that would come our way 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Thanks to Jamie Henry, Sianne Grobler, Robert Hodson and everyone at Legacy Hotels we get to spend a night at the incredible DAVINCI Hotel and Suites ❤️

What a spoil and how special it is to have this time together ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thank you to our husbands for holding the forts at home with the kids so that we can have a girls night ❤️

Ash - you’ve got this! And we’ve got you ❤️

It feels like forever since we updated you all 😕
We hope everyone is well, and safe, during this crazy time.
Ash had an appointment with her oncologist, Dr Wadee, today… as well as her 2nd bone density drip.
Dr Wadee had advised Ash to have radiation done on the tumor in her back, as radiation combined with the bone density treatment, will help with stabilising her damaged vertebrae and in turn, give her some pain relief.
He has also put Ash on a list for any trials that come up for a drug called Selpercatinib, which is a drug used for the mutation that has shown in Ash’s advanced tumor analysis.. but with your help, her first batch of Vandetanib has been ordered and will be here soon ❤️
Integrative Oncology Partners, in London, have sponsored a whole load of amazing Coyne supplements to help Ash feel stronger and help with the side effects she may have when she starts the Vandetanib… so watch this space, she is going to be our very own, real life, Woman Woman!!!
This is going to be a very important part of Ash’s journey… and we’d just like to thank you all for your love and support for Ash, Steven and the kids. We don’t know what each day will hold, but Ash, you’ve got this… and we’ve got you ❤️
And, here is Ash, the only person in the world that makes a mask and cancer treatment look good 🙂

Happy Monday everyone! We hope everyone is staying safe during this crazy time.

On Friday, The Rudings family received some fantastic news... their medical aid has agreed to fund 3 months of the medication that Ash so desperately needs. So, as you can imagine, we all did a happy dance and celebrated, BUT (why does there always need to be a but 😕) this approval comes with a condition, or 2! The first condition is that the medical aid will continue to fund the meds, every 3 months, provided that the oncology reports show that the medication is in fact working and bringing Ash's Calcitonin levels down. The second condition is (this is the big BUT) the company that is bringing the medication into SA for Ash, at a reduced rate, has said that 6 months need to be ordered at a time, and payment made upfront, and in full - meaning that we somehow need to come up with an additional +/- R 260 000.00 for the 3 months that medical aid will not be paying for when placing each order.

You have all helped so much already, with your words of encouragement and love, your advice and donations... it has made Ash see how loved she is and how many people are rooting for her - and for the first time she sees she is worth it!

Please friends, let's try and get as close as we can to this goal... let's keep the hope and happiness alive! Lets continue to get the story out there, and share to anyone and everyone.

Ashley Rudings, you are worth it - and so much more 💝
You've got this - and we've got you!

Thank you to Brent Lindeque Good Things Guy for sharing Ashley Rudings story ❤️❤️❤️ you’ve got this Ash! We love you ❤️

Please keep sharing and help us get out friend the treatment she needs.

Mom Battling Stage 4 Cancer: Friends Help to get Donations Pouring In Mother-of-three with stage 4 cancer faces race against time to raise money. Cash for Ash is a fundraising movement made for Ashley Rudlings.

Good morning Ash Fans 🌞
Today Ash has her first dose of Zometa to make sure her bones stay strong during this journey… this will be something she will do every 4 weeks 🙂
She is one of the strongest people you will ever meet, and she is going to do whatever it takes to stay that way 💪🏻
We got this my friend ❤️

Please can we ask you to keep our incredible friend Ashley Rudings in your thoughts and prayers as she has her Oncologist appointment tomorrow 🙏🏽❤️💪🏽 You’ve got this Ash and we’ve got you 💪🏽❤️🙏🏽

We would just like to say a very big thank you for all the love and support shown to Ash so far! We are still doing everything we can to find alternative treatments options, or to find a way to get medical aid to pay something towards the current treatment… but for now, let’s keep fighting the good fight with Ash. Every single bit of help gives her more time, and more hope ❤️

Morning all
So, medical aid has come back with a very firm NO on the medication... even after appealing! This medication is the ONLY option we have, so one way or another, we have to get Ash these meds... they will give her more time and she will get to see her children grow up 💔
They need their Mom, Steven needs his wife and we all need Ash!

Cash for Ash updated their website address.

Yesterday was an incredibly special day at Fallen Heroes, who so kindly made a plan to have us girls over a Sunday. Thank you to Thys Uys for organising this for us, we cannot tell you how much it means to all of us. Lehla inked us all so beautifully with the words "We got this", written by our very own Wonder Woman Ashley Rudings.

A massive shout out to our fantastic husbands who took all 8 kids to the zoo on their own so that we could spend this quality time together...we love you guys...and well done for not losing any of the kids who completely outnumbered you :) Neil Morrison Ryan Van Der Spuy Steven Rudings Nick Dearlove Craig Shelver

Good morning all you wonderful people 🙂
We would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to all the donations made so far... in a space of 3 days, we are sitting at almost R30 000 ❤️❤️❤️
Let’s try double that over the next 3 days 🤩

We want to thank each and every one of you who have so generously donated to the Cash for Ash account, and through Back a Buddy.

In just 3 days we have raised just over R30 000.00 and our hearts are just overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and love.

Steven Rudings and Ashley Rudings, we are with you guys every step of this journey and we love you and your family so much!

We won't stop until we raise enough money to get Ash the treatment she needs.

Please won't you continue to share far and wide so that we can keep this momentum going for our beautiful friend.

Options for donations are :

BANK ACCOUNT:
Name of Acc: Cash for Ash
Nedbank Savings Account
Acc Number : 2036507484
Branch: Northgate
Branch Code: 169805
Swift Code: NEDSZAJJ

Or via

BACK A BUDDY: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/ashley-rudings

Thank you everyone!

Cash for Ash updated their business hours.