Why is a Naples man walking 106 miles through the Florida Keys? The answer lies in his struggle against a life-threatening lung condition known as pulmonary fibrosis. At 68 years old, Bill Ashley is not merely fighting for his own life; he is advocating for awareness around a condition that claims countless lives each year.
Ashley received his diagnosis in 2020, a year that brought challenges for many. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive illness that gradually scarring lung tissue. It leaves individuals gasping for breath, shackled by what they cannot control. The irony in it all? Ashley’s background may have contributed to his current plight. For decades, he worked in sectors rife with harmful exposures, from farming to automotive, all without realizing the toll it would take on his lungs.
Yet, despite the grim prognosis of fewer than 18 months, a spirit of defiance propelled Ashley to act. He has defied these odds and is now undertaking the trek from Key Largo to Key West. Joined by determined supporters, Ashley’s walk is as much a testament to hope as it is a journey for a cause.
WATCH ASHLEY’S JOURNEY BELOW:
“Months left to live”: Why a Naples man is walking 106 miles through the Florida Keys
“I’ve had living days and dying days,” Ashley reflects. “I spend more time focusing on my living days.” For a man who was told to prepare for the end, this mantra serves as a lifeline. Each step he takes along the picturesque shores of the Keys is a step away from despair and toward resilience.
The initial shock of his diagnosis still lingers in Ashley’s memory. He recalls the moment when medical professionals urged him to get his affairs in order—a phrase that would prompt most to feel defeated. Instead, he resolved to be a shining example of strength to his family. “I wanted them to know I’m a fighter,” he recalled. “I’m going to be around for a while.”
Living in Naples since 2021, Ashley has managed to maintain his health through therapy while raising awareness about a condition that affects nearly 250,000 Americans. Unfortunately, a cure remains elusive, and this fuels his passion for supporting the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Ashley’s charitable efforts have already garnered nearly $40,000 as of Tuesday evening. He hopes future generations will look back and see his contributions as a stepping stone toward finding a cure. “I want my children to say my dad helped make a difference,” he expressed earnestly.
In this journey, there are moments that offer levity amidst the gravity. Ashley’s tenacity serves as a gentle reminder that while life may throw hardships our way, it also provides opportunities for connection and commitment—to family, community, and causes greater than ourselves. The road ahead may be uncertain, but Ashley continues to walk it with purpose, making each step resonate with a promise of hope.
