Donations benefit former Ephrata resident

GRANT COUNTY - Calling the fund-raiser "Apples for Ashley," parents of former Ephrata resident Ashley Beck are raising money for Beck's cancer treatment.

Grant County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Dave Ponozzo and Columbia Basin Foundation Manager Donn Cook are seeking donations for Beck, a 26-year-old teacher in Vancouver who was diagnosed with melanoma.

"They expect that just the surgery is going to cost well over $20,000," Cook said.

Since Beck is a substitute teacher, she has no insurance through the Vancouver School District for the treatment, Cook said.

She said it is difficult enough for her daughter to worry about cancer, let alone funding the cost of treatment and other expenses. Cook and Ponozzo decided to establish a fund in Beck's name through Washington Trust Bank.

"She is so stressed over all of this, and we told her, 'Don't worry about it,'" Cook said.

Beck grew up in Ephrata. As a youth, she was involved with the women's choir, chamber choir, jazz ensemble and Key Club. She served as an editor of Ephrata High School's Eye of The Tiger newspaper. In 1999, Beck was named Miss Ephrata.

After graduating high school in 2000, Beck earned a bachelor of arts degree in history at Washington State University. In 2007, she graduated with a second bachelor's degree, this time in elementary education.

Beck married Peter Beck in August 2007, and they moved to Vancouver.

She is now a substitute teacher.

"She is an unbelievable teacher and the students love her, which is why the theme of the fund-raising efforts is named Apples for Ashley," Cook explained.

Cook is making buttons for Beck, available by calling her at 509-398-2202.

Peter Beck established a Web site for Ashley Beck at ashley.beckcreations.com.

Donations can be deposited at any Washington Trust Bank or mailed to Washington Trust Bank, 12 Basin St. S.W., Ephrata, WA 98823. Checks should reference the Ashley Ponozzo-Beck Cancer Fund, account number 100901331.