Ashley Elizabeth Tamburri July 23, 1982 - June 24, 1999

Ashley Foundation Fund Opens at
Community Foundation

May 8, 2008: Ashley Elizabeth Tamburri had just begun her junior year at Linganore High School when she had to face the most significant challenge of her life. In September 1998, at the age of 16, Ashley was diagnosed with cancer – a brain tumor. Nine months later she died on June 24, 1999. Although Ashley was a very quiet and introspective young lady she was determined that her life and her death would have meaning for others.

“Ashley loved art and music and responded to her diagnosis by embracing life. She taught everyone around her that living with cancer did not have to be a terrible experience,” said Darlene Armacost, Ashley’s mother. “Ashley recognized that she could not do this alone and reached out to her community for support that would address the unique needs teens have when diagnosed and living with cancer. At that time none existed. Ashley’s response was to create a Foundation that would specifically address these needs and become her legacy to the community.”

Although Ashley’s family was devastated at losing their beautiful daughter, they were equally determined to fulfill Ashley’s wishes. The Ashley Foundation was established to support programs that assist teens diagnosed and living with cancer. “However,” Darlene said, “managing the day-to-day duties and fiscal responsibility was becoming a full-time job, yet we did not want to stop helping people. That is why we have instead created The Ashley Foundation Fund at The Community Foundation of Frederick County.”

The Ashley Foundation Fund was established so that post-secondary scholarships for teens diagnosed and living with cancer and grants to organizations, such as childhood cancer treatment facilities that enhance their quality of life, will continue. The first scholarships from The Ashley Foundation Fund will be awarded for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Those who wish to ensure that teens facing cancer will be able to pursue their educational dreams and that organizations that serve them will be able to continue doing so may make a secure, online donation to The Ashley Foundation Fund.  To do so, click here.  Donations may also be made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County with The Ashley Foundation Fund in the check’s memo line, and mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Memorial funds are one of the many ways The Community Foundation of Frederick County transforms the unique charitable dreams of individuals, families and organizations into the reality of charitable funds supporting a range of worthy causes. Over one-fourth of the funds held by the Community Foundation honor the memories of deceased loved ones by continuing to touch lives in meaningful ways in their names. To date, the Community Foundation has provided more than $17 million in grants and scholarships throughout Frederick County.