It is a crisp, late-afternoon, winter’s Friday.
The voice at the other end, a 33-year-old everyday dynamo, is dealing with a sick and temperamental feline en-route to the vet.
Upon arrival, Ashley Green – a 24-karat gem, an engaging motivational speaker and student at Illinois State University – gathered her wheelchair from her car, readied it, then placed the struggling cat in the backpack resting on her chest.
In typical Ashley Green fashion, the well-being of someone or something else – in this case a cat who needed a home – is first and foremost in her world.
It is simply Ashley being Ashley.
Green’s battles – as a below-the knee-amputee who is also paralyzed from the waist down from surgery for a tumor on her spine – are rarely about her.
“Poor cat,’’ the Mackinaw, Ill., woman said. “It’s a farm cat who needed a home. So I gave it a home. I don’t deal in excuses as to why I can and or cannot do something.’’
Truer words were never spoken.
Once a star club and prep volleyball player at Peoria Notre Dame High School, Green is the founder of “Your Excuse is Invalid,’’ a foundation (www.yourexcuseisinvalid.org) that provides funds and mentorship for amputees and for people who are going to become amputees. Green, whose foundation has been aided by the philanthropic arm and friendship of Rock Valley Physical Therapy, is always available to share advice and offer guidance for those dealing with what will be a life-altering change.
The path to today for Green plays like a movie filled with never-ending struggles, yet the film’s lead refuses to cast blame on others or feel sorry for herself. Truth-be-told, she is a bundle of won’t-back-down inspiration.
At age 17, on the verge of a college volleyball scholarship, Green – also a standout in other sports – decided to skip Saturday church services with her family, instead opting for Sunday mass the next day.
“I’m from a family deep in faith,’’ she said. “My mother (Gaye Lynn), an amazing woman in so many ways, made sure it was a priority growing up and it has stayed with me. Faith remains a huge focus.’’
En-route to church the next day, Green was involved in a car accident – a hit-n-run that left her with severe ligament damage to her right ankle.
Thus began a 16-year medical odyssey.
“That first surgery (there would be eight in a six-year span and several more revisions to follow) just didn’t go how we thought it would,’’ Green said. “Things progressively got worse.’’
Those events would reach a dramatic point in 2015. Given the option of life on crutches with an ankle that would never respond, Green chose amputation.
It did not, however, stop her from chasing a dream. She would earn a place in the adaptive world of sports, returning to volleyball on an elite level, performing well enough to earn a spot on the United States’ Paralympic A2 Sitting Volleyball Team.
“When it first happened it was hard to come to grips with the fact I was not going to play college volleyball,’’ said the ever-skilled setter. “The drive returned when I began playing again. The training to become elite at something motivated me.’’
It was in 2019, that things took an even harder turn for Green. A tumor on her spine, followed by surgery, would leave her paralyzed. Showing a grit only few can match, Green – in 2019 and with great support from many – created her foundation.
“It was time to go to another level,’’ said Green. “I’m so thankful so many were there then and continue to be there now.’’
Through the years, the many physical struggles and while dealing with a bevy of blocked paths, Green has had Rock Valley Physical Therapy to get her through surgeries, the bumps, bruises and strains of an elite para-athletic career, with guidance, friendship and for support of the foundation she heads.
She says Rock Valley’s entire Central Illinois corridor, has made a monumental impact on her life and “Your Excuse is Invalid.’’
“We could talk all day about the positive affect Rock Valley has had on my life and the many things it has done to better the foundation,’’ Green said, noting a lengthy list of causes Rock Valley has supported – “Sunshine Boxes,’’ toy drives and a various fundraisers – in addition to being who she has turned to for rehabilitation.
“Just figuring out the difficult path that is insurance was life-saving financially for me, and I have Rock Valley to thank for that. It’s something I share with all I reach and even those I tutor. I have gained some amazing friends through my association with Rock Valley.’’
“Your Excuse is Invalid’’ has assisted a number of young people with prosthetics and has provided support, guidance and “Sunshine Boxes’’ to patients of all ages in finding their way back from amputations and spinal cord surgery.
“Sunshine Boxes’’ are individually prepared and age-appropriate, sharing toys, candy, games and coloring books for a young boy or a girl, while an adult dealing with an amputation might receive a T-shirt, a word search, toiletries or packets of coffee.
“I’m a coffee snob; have you ever tasted hospital coffee?’’ Green asked. “Let’s call it “different’’ and leave it there.’’ Green says “Sunshine Boxes’’ were named for Breanna “Bre’’ Reynolds, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, of whom she calls, “family.’’
“I am not sure I have ever met someone quite like Ashley,’’ said Amy Johnson, PT, OCS, COMT/Clinic Manager at Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Washington, Ill. clinic. “It’s not every day that you meet someone at her age that has started their own non-for-profit. I had the opportunity to help pack “Sunshine Boxes’’ and the energy in the room was amazing. I can only imagine the joy of the recipient in opening these boxes.’’
Twice weekly, Green turns to Rock Valley’s Joe Terry, PT, CSCS, for therapy and that “positive boost,’’ she needs to assist her along her path. Terry, Green says, is goal-oriented, attentive and only wants what’s best for her. She marvels that Terry – and Rock Valley – are with her for the long haul.
“She (Green) was referred to me by (former Rock Valley therapist) Kyle (Cottene), who is at Bradley (University),’’ said Terry. “She is determined and stubborn like all good athletes. I believe being an athlete has helped Ashley on her journey to achieve the goals she has. Some things haven’t worked in her favor through the years, but that hasn’t stopped her from working to achieve her goals. You admire her determination and outlook. And she is determined. Sure there is frustration at times, but she puts that aside. I enjoy working with Ashley.’’
For Green, today is a good day. Tomorrow is just that…Tomorrow.
She will advocate for those in need, work to better herself physically, continue to share a message of grit and determination and know she has Rock Valley Physical Therapy in her corner.
Because, in her world: “Your Excuse is Invalid.’’
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller