“Cancer Sucks”

These are words tattooed on the back of Ashley Hook’s now shaved head. The words are the only negative statement anyone will receive from the 18-year-old who is fighting ovarian cancer.

Next to the words is the familiar cancer symbol of a looped ribbon colored teal on one side for ovarian cancer and gold on the other to signify childhood cancer.

“I’m strong, and I’m going to kick this. Everything happens for a reason. Harder things are given to stronger people who can handle them. I hope, through this, I can have a positive influence on others — even if it’s just one person,” Hook said. “I’ve always been healthy, so this was a surprise.”

Hook’s friends, relatives and neighbors are going to help Hook on her journey back to a cancer-free life with a Believe in Ashley Benefit on Friday, March 23, in the Sedona Performing Arts Center. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and will include appetizers, entertainment by school performers and performers from within the community as well as what event organizer Angela Biermann said is “an awesome silent auction.” The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for students.

Biermann is Hook’s cheer coach and student council advisor.

“I just felt I had to do something. This is our school, our house. When something like this hits somebody in your house you have to step up,” Biermann said. “She’s the strongest girl I know.”

Biermann teamed with Hook’s best friend Catrina Lee-Wilkins to put the event together.

“The whole school is involved. It’s just great,” Lee-Wilkins said. “We all love her so much.”

A few weeks before the winter break, Hook noticed she grew tired more easily and even dozed off in class. Then she became sick during cheer practice. She excused it to stress, but the odd behaviors worsened.

“When I really knew something was wrong was around 4 a.m. on Dec. 12. I woke up in pain and bent over. I looked down at my stomach and there was a lump there that hadn’t been a couple days before. My stomach is usually flat and now there was this swelling that made me look pregnant,” Hook said.

She went to urgent care. The staff looked at Hook and immediately scheduled surgery for the following Wednesday, Dec. 14.

“They took a 5-pound tumor out that was on my left ovary. They took the ovary, too,” Hook said.

Doctors sent the tumor for testing and on Dec. 22 Hook received the phone call the tumor in fact was papillary serous carcinoma — ovarian cancer.

“It’s one of the most aggressive. The doctors think she had the tumor only a couple of months,” said Rachel Betancourt, Hook’s mother. “I tell you, as a mom this sucks. It’s the worst thing you can hear as a parent.”

However, she said Hook has a great, positive attitude, and she is more than proud of her daughter.

“She’s handling this better than I am,” Betancourt said.

Hook started chemotherapy within two weeks of her diagnosis at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She goes to Phoenix every three weeks for treatments.

“The doctors believe they got all the cancer, but since it’s considered the most rapidly spreading form, they want to make sure,” Hook said.

Only two parts of this procedure bother Hook, she said.

“Chemo tastes like I’m chewing on tin foil. It really kills your appetite, and I like to eat,” said Hook and held out her fingers to look at them. “The other is the neuropathy [numbness] in my hands and feet. They told me that would happen. It makes me uncomfortable.” Yet, Hook said she’s going to be fine and plans to attend prom and graduate with her class on Wednesday, May 23.

“It’s too late now not to. We have all my graduation stuff already,” said the always smiling teen.

Her plans are to attend Northern Arizona University’s nursing program to become a registered nurse. She recently received her acceptance letter. Hook’s journey through cancer and experience as a patient in a hospital helped cement her career plans.

“I think my experience will help me better help others,” Hook said.

In anticipation of what was to come with chemotherapy treatments, Hook cut 14 inches off of her hair and had local wig maker Gladys Movassaghi make a wig for her. Movassaghi donated her time.

“I knew my hair was going to fall out, so after I cut it, I shaved it into a Mohawk. Then I shaved it all off. Bald is the new beautiful,” Hook said.

Betancourt said Hook’s 6-year-old cousin wanted to donate her hair for Hook, so Movassaghi incorporated the little girl’s hair into the wig.

Hook was surprised by the benefit and thanked everyone involved. Yet, she saw a good aspect outside of herself.

“I’m really happy to see how much people are coming together. It proves how much a small town pitches in at a time like this,” Hook said.

Biermann’s hope is to sell out the center’s 750 seats. Tickets can be bought at the high school, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road; Bashas’, 160 Coffee Pot Drive or at Marchesa’s Fine Shoe Salon, 101 N. SR 89A, Suite D-21.

For more information or to donate, call Biermann at 202-0340.