ST. LOUIS — Ashley Swip was honored as the 2015 Remarkable Woman for Fox 2 and St. Louis 11, celebrated for her work as the founder of Three Little Birds 4 Life.
The non-profit organization, inspired by Swip’s late brother Tyler, aims to grant wishes to young adults with cancer in the St. Louis area. Tyler’s battle with melanoma and his love for the Bob Marley song Three Little Birds inspired the creation of the organization, which seeks to provide hope and memorable experiences for those facing similar challenges.
“Thank you everybody. This is very shocking. Sorry, I’m just very emotional about it,” said Swip during the surprise celebration, highlighting her emotional connection to the cause.
Swip’s brother Tyler was diagnosed with melanoma and given six months to live, a devastating revelation for the family. Despite the news, Ashley worked with the Cardinals to create a special day for Tyler, allowing him to announce an inning and enjoy time on the field.
The experience with Tyler highlighted the lack of resources for young adults with cancer, and helped create of Three Little Birds 4 Life. The organization now grants wishes to those over 18, providing experiences and support that were not available to Tyler.
The non-profit also offers Birdie Boxes, which include celebration kits with confetti cannons and cotton candy drink mixes, and a meal program called Spoonful of Comfort, which provides meals to patients and their families.
They charity is also launching The Flock, a peer-to-peer support network that will connect cancer survivors with current patients, addressing the need for support that Tyler sought during his illness.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.