From the Heart: Ashly Dollar
- pyoung106
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
For this installment of “From the Heart”—where we share about people who help put our mission into action—we did a Q&A with Pink House team member Ashly to learn more about what motivates her dedication to our cause.
Ashly Dollar is our Director of Programming and Volunteers. Since stepping into that role in 2023, she has not only kept our many sessions and services running, but has also elevated our offerings to include day retreats, in-depth workshops and a host of unique and fun activities for the breast cancer Survivors and Thrivers we serve. For this installment of “From the Heart”—where we share about people who help put our mission into action—we did a Q&A with Ashly to learn more about her and what motivates her dedication to our cause.
Q: What does it mean to you to coordinate and create free programming for the breast cancer community through Carolina Breast Friends?
A: It’s both an honor and a calling. This mission is deeply rooted in my heart because of a woman named Missi Ive. In my former career in dentistry, I had the honor of walking alongside her during the latter part of her breast cancer journey. Missi was a beautiful soul who, even in pain, stubbornly pushed forward for "just a normal day." Our dental office was more than a workplace—it was family. Watching Missi navigate her final chapters was heartbreaking, but the love and support that surrounded her fueled her team long after she passed.
Missi brought us a gift for life: to embrace each moment we are in, to embrace the people in our lives, and to cherish our time together. That lesson lives on. To this day, our original team remains close, still sharing stories and “Missi-isms” that make us laugh and remember her spirit. If I can help just one person on this journey, then I not only fulfill my calling, but I also keep Missi’s spirit alive.
Coordinating and creating free programming through Carolina Breast Friends means being able to walk alongside Survivors and Thrivers through one of the most vulnerable chapters of their lives and offering them community, healing, and hope. Every class, retreat, and workshop is intentionally crafted to meet their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. I get to witness lives being impacted daily. And to know that cost isn't a barrier makes it all the more meaningful. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated—because they deserve that and more.
Q: How does your own love of life, adventure, and travel influence the kinds of experiences you dream up and organize for Survivors & Thrivers?
A: I’ve always believed that life is meant to be lived fully—and that joy, movement, and adventure are powerful forms of healing. That mindset shapes every experience I plan at CBF. Whether it's a Survivor silent disco that invites people to dance through their emotions, or a nature retreat designed for reflection and renewal, I try to bring that same sense of wonder and vibrancy I feel when traveling or exploring something new. I want our participants to not just survive, but also to thrive, laugh, create, and reconnect with what lights them up inside.
My husband and I share a deep love for travel and exploring the world together. We’ve been scuba diving for more than 20 years, and the adventures we’ve had beneath the surface—swimming alongside whale sharks, exploring coral reefs—remind me just how vast and beautiful life can be. I also love hiking, gardening, and trying anything new that connects me to nature, creativity, or people. All of these passions feed directly into my work. They inspire me to think outside the box when designing programs and to bring in experiences that awaken joy, curiosity, and a renewed sense of purpose for our Survivors and Thrivers.
When you live life with wonder, you naturally want to share it. That’s exactly what I try to do with each experience we offer through The Pink House.
Q: What fills your heart most when you see Survivors and Thrivers connect, heal, and rediscover joy through these programs?
A: There’s truly nothing like it. Seeing Survivors and Thrivers connect—sometimes for the first time since diagnosis—and watching walls come down as laughter and tears are shared, fills my heart to the brim. It’s in those moments that healing really begins. Whether they’re learning a new skill, having a breakthrough during a retreat, or simply realizing they’re not alone, it’s a reminder of why this work matters. The programs I help CBF offer are about more than activities; they’re about restoring confidence, rediscovering joy, and rebuilding a sense of self. Helping to bring that about for people is the greatest gift.
For me, it’s also a tribute to Missi. Every time I witness someone reclaim their joy, find their people, or laugh again after hardship, I think of her. Her story is woven into mine—and she’s a constant reminder of why I do what I do.
