WILLIAMSBURG — Ashley Elizabeth Williams was a bright college student, active member of Kappa Alpha Theta, supportive friend, and much-loved daughter when her life was tragically cut short after a car accident at the age of 20. Ashley was also an advocate for those struggling with eating disorders, something she had overcome.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the once active and involved Ashley felt she had put on a few extra pounds. She decided she wanted to lose weight and it triggered a eating disorder that progressed very quickly, said her mother, Heather Williams.
“At the time, all the treatment centers had long, long waiting lists because eating disorders had spiked up significantly during COVID,” explained Heather. “Thank goodness the one center we wanted became available much sooner than we anticipated, and so Ashley went to a residential facility in Northern Virginia for seven weeks before I moved up and joined her for the next level step down, where she was in a partial hospitalization program.”
Heather shared that even with Ashley in recovery, “That time was a huge blessing. It was time together — just her and I. We had evenings together, would go for long drives and binge-watch television.”
Ashley was able to continue her recovery progress and return home to complete her senior year at Layfette High School before heading off to James Madison University where she became a psychology major — all while still receiving outpatient support with therapists, psychiatrists and dietitians.
“Once she started getting some weight back on, she knew she wanted her life back the way it had been and not be consumed with thoughts about food and calories. She never relapsed. She was committed to her recovery,” said Heather. “Ashley was very open about sharing her struggles. She was eager to help others because she knew how devasting the impact of having an eating disorder could be.”
After her untimely death, her family felt called to use Ashley’s story as a way to impact positive outcomes and changes for others affected by an eating disorder and started Ashley’s Heart For Recovery — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian charity organization.
The mission of the organization is to provide financial assistance to families with teenagers undergoing eating disorder treatment. Its support is intended for expenses like field trips, incidentals, hotel stays, meals, and transportation. By providing this support, we help families focus on their teen’s recovery journey by easing their financial burden.
“Ashley was excited to use her God-given talents in a future career to positively impact others and change the world in some way. She was passionate about helping others and building others up to feel better about themselves,” states Ashley’s bio at ashleysheartforrecovery.org.
May 18 would have been Ashley’s 21st birthday, and that is the day her family has chosen to celebrate all the positive and wonderful things she accomplished.
The first annual Ashely’s Walk For Recovery is being held at the Powhaton Shores neighborhood park on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. The walk is approximately one mile long. Other events and activities will also take place.
April 30 is last day to register and receive a t-shirt however, registration will continue up to the day of the event. The community is welcome to come out and support walkers and enjoy the event without registration.
“Ashley wanted to take the stigma away from eating disorders — its a brain-based illness, a biologically-based disorder,” Heather stated while explaining why she continues to advocate for those fighting in Ashley’s name.
“Recovery is worth it” — the words written in Ashley’s handwriting and used in the organization’s logo — is the legacy she leaves for others.
Visit Ashley’s Heart for Recovery to learn more.
