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In 2012, Ashley McCrary’s life would change forever when a friend noticed a strange spot on her eye during a beach trip. The busy mother of four and speech pathologist didn’t think much of it at the time, but about a month later she found herself at a routine eye exam. Ashley pointed out the spot in her eye to the optometrist, who referred her to see an ophthalmologist for a more specialized exam.
Just three days later, Ashley found herself sitting with the ophthalmologist, who invited a large group of colleagues into the room to each examine her eye. He remarked that it was important for everyone in the office to look at the lesion, as they might never see something like it again in their careers. The doctor suspected cancer, but for the most accurate diagnosis, he referred Ashley to an ocular oncologist.
At her third appointment in a week’s time, Ashley received the devastating news. Not only was the lesion in her eye a rare and aggressive cancer – ocular (or uveal) melanoma – but her eye also needed to be removed.
“The way I received the news of my diagnosis felt like a long run-on sentence of words unfamiliar to me,” remembered Ashley. To try and make sense of everything, Ashley and her family sought a second opinion, which ultimately confirmed her original diagnosis and treatment plan.
“One of my first thoughts was – these are my dad’s eyes. It felt like a part of my identity was being taken from me,” said Ashley. The emotional and physical toll of losing her eye was intense and discovering her new normal was not a simple process. Following surgery, Ashley had to adjust to life with altered depth perception and peripheral vision and needed regular assistance and support from her loved ones. Every day became a new lesson in vulnerability and adaptation.
Surveillance over the years showed no signs of recurrence or metastatic disease, a period of time Ashley called “a gift of grace” that allowed her to raise her children and move to Auburn, Alabama – where she is from and where her family still resides today.
In Auburn, Ashley became involved with a group of ocular melanoma patients and researchers investigating a cluster of diagnoses of this rare cancer in the area. In fact, over 40 people from the Auburn area were diagnosed with ocular melanoma, something that still raises questions to this day.
But in October 2020, after eight years of No Evidence of Disease (NED), everything changed once again. Routine surveillance scans revealed more than 100 tumors in Ashley’s liver, the most common organ for uveal melanoma to spread to. “I felt completely fine at the time,” she said. “If I hadn’t been doing those scans, I would have never known.”
Thanks to her relationships with specialists in the ocular melanoma world – like Dr. Marlana Orloff – Ashley was able to quickly move her care to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Due to the rarity and complexity of her cancer, it was imperative that Ashley see a specialist in the field to receive care.
Ashley soon began immunoembolization, a treatment that stimulates the local immune system to target tumor cells in the liver. After about eight months, the treatment stopped working.
Enlisting the expertise of Dr. Orloff and her colleague Dr. Takami Sato, clinical trials were presented as an option to Ashley. Previous genetic testing revealed several markers that made Ashley a candidate for an ongoing trial in uveal melanoma sponsored by Immunocore.
After thoughtful discussions with her family and community, Ashley began the clinical trial in June 2021, having to travel weekly from Auburn to Philadelphia during the height of COVID. She endured rigorous treatment, countless COVID-tests and strict protocols, and over 200 trips to Philadelphia. “Every Sunday, I flew out. Monday, I had treatment. Tuesday, I rested. And Wednesday I came home. And I did it again the next week,” she said.
Despite the logistical hardships and some formidable treatment side effects, Ashley initially responded well to treatment, becoming the first patient in the trial to show a partial response. However, eventual progression to her lung and breast resulted in modifications to her treatment plan. More recently, Ashley had to completely end her participation in the trial to preserve her liver function. Still, she continues to defy odds—even as rogue tumors have emerged.
One crucial element of Ashley’s treatment plan that she did not have to worry about was the expenses of her frequent travels. Not long before her melanoma first returned, she was approached by an Aflac employee selling cancer plans. While she initially brushed the proposal off, she ended up hearing their pitch and signing onto the plan. Because of that cancer plan, which covered the rest of what insurance and the trial sponsor didn’t, Ashley did not incur any expenses related to her many travels.
“I was fortunate that I did not have any stress when it came to affording travel to Philly for treatment,” said Ashley.
Reflecting on her circumstances, and the fact that many patients facing a similar journey may not have the means to travel like she did, Ashley asked herself what she could do to help.
In 2024, Ashley founded the Eye on Grace Foundation, a nonprofit offering travel grants to ocular melanoma patients. “We believe that having this disease is a hardship in itself. You shouldn’t have to prove financial need to get help traveling for treatment,” Ashley explained.
The name “Eye on Grace” is a nod to both Ashley’s ocular melanoma journey and her strong faith. The foundation’s motto “keep your eye on grace” is rooted in the belief that strength and peace come moment by moment. “We are not guaranteed tomorrow. But God gives us enough grace for today,” said Ashley.
Since launching, the foundation has funded over 200 travel grants for nearly 100 individuals, totaling more than $100,000 in aid. They help cover transportation and lodging for both patients and caregivers – a rare offering. “We know firsthand how vital it is to have someone with you,” Ashley added. Their goal for 2025 is to sponsor 500 trips.
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To raise funds and awareness for their mission, Ashley and the foundation is spearheading the Eye Patch Challenge, a national campaign for Ocular Melanoma Awareness Month in May. Participants are challenged to wear an eye patch, post a selfie on social media, and challenge others to do the same – all to encourage donations and early detection through dilated eye exams.
The foundation also funds itself partly through Ashley’s art. After taking an online watercolor class to combat her own mental health struggles post-diagnosis, she began painting every day. Her prints, which highlight inspirational scriptures, have resonated deeply within her community and beyond.
Turning her pain into purpose, Ashley’s story has touched many. Her resilience, humility, and faith inspire every message she shares. “On your worst day, someone else is still worse off. Do something for them. That’s how you keep going,” she said.
From a shocking diagnosis to a national movement, Ashley is building a legacy of grace.
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