Keep the Ripple Going: A Partner Spotlight on Stef Ripple

When Stefanie Ashdown was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in 2014, her life was already full of passion, dedication, and love. As a wife, mother of three, and active member of her Severna Park, Maryland community, Stef’s days were filled with family, fitness, and selfless acts of service. She was the kind of person who lived by simple but powerful values—be thankful, be helpful, and be kind. Even in the face of cancer, Stef embodied those ideals, inspiring everyone around her with her unwavering grace and courage.

Stef after completing a triathlon

Stef passed away in May 2017, but her legacy continues to create ripples of hope and kindness. Through the the non-profit founded in her honor, Stef Ripple, we honor the ripples of hope Stef left behind. What began as a way to remember Stef has grown into a meaningful mission to support ovarian cancer patients and families, spread awareness, and build a community grounded in compassion and strength.

At the heart of Stef Ripple’s mission is a commitment to easing the journey for those affected by ovarian cancer. The organization provides:

1. Ovarian Cancer Family Support Fund – Stef Ripple partners with Johns Hopkins hospital to support ovarian cancer patients treated there. This fund offers financial assistance to ovarian cancer patients and their families for non-medical expenses such as gas, prescriptions, and groceries, helping to alleviate the financial burden during treatment for those receiving care at Hopkins.

2. Kindness Bags – Thoughtfully curated care packages filled with comfort items, encouragement, and love are delivered to those currently undergoing treatment, providing emotional support and a reminder that they are not alone.

3. Waves of Smiles – In collaboration with Nana Sue Photography, this program offers complimentary family photo sessions to ovarian cancer survivors in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia areas, capturing precious moments and creating lasting memories.

4. Do Your Best Scholarship – Awarded annually to graduating high school seniors whose lives have been impacted by ovarian cancer, this scholarship supports students who exemplify Stef’s core values and plan to make a positive impact on others.

5. Community Support and Partnerships – Stef Ripple extends its reach by supporting various community initiatives, including:

   • Wellness House of Annapolis – Supporting children's activities and offering a safe space for kids affected by cancer.

   • Therapeutic Music Program at Mercy Medical Center – Providing comfort and healing through music.

   • HopeWell Ovarian Cancer Support Group – Providing community and connection for those navigating their journey.

   • Saint Andrew by the Bay Youth Group – Fostering faith, resilience, and instilling the 3 B’s—Be Thankful, Be Helpful, Be Kind—in the next generation.

   • NOCC Survivor Meetups and Together in Teal Gifts – Contributing to survivor meetups and providing gifts to remind warriors they are never alone.

   • Strength in Survivorship Retreat – Funding retreat in partnership with Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Services to empower and uplift GYN cancer survivors.

     
     

Stef was an avid runner who competed in races of varying lengths as well as triathlons and adventure races.  Each year, the Stef Ripple Foundation brings the community together for a meaningful and uplifting event: the “Do Your Best” 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk. Hosted at Anne Arundel Community College, the race is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of Stefanie Ashdown’s life and legacy, and a show of strength, gratitude, and unity among families, survivors, and supporters.

Participants of all ages and backgrounds gather to walk, run, cheer, or take part virtually, creating a powerful wave of awareness and support for ovarian cancer patients and their families. The event captures the essence of Stef’s spirit—joyful, determined, and full of heart—with spirited teams, inspiring stories, and countless moments of connection. For those looking to honor a loved one, give back, or simply share in a hopeful, compassionate community, the “Do Your Best” 5K on September 14, 2025 is an open invitation to keep the ripple going. For more information, please visit stefripple.org/events.

Beyond support, the organization is deeply committed to awareness. Many women don’t recognize the early symptoms of ovarian cancer—such as bloating, eating less, and abdominal pain, as well as the need to talk to a doctor—which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Stef Ripple works tirelessly to educate the public through campaigns and community outreach, empowering people to recognize the signs and advocate for their health.

The reach of Stef Ripple continues to grow, in part due to its involvement with broader support networks like the Abdominal Cancers Alliance. Through this partnership, Stef Ripple joins a collective of organizations that provide resources and peer support to patients with various abdominal cancers, including ovarian cancer. This connection enhances their ability to share knowledge, advocate for early detection, and ensure that those affected by cancer never feel isolated.

Though it began with one woman’s journey, Stef Ripple has become a powerful movement—touching lives with kindness, promoting awareness, and making real change in the fight against ovarian cancer. Stef’s ripple of kindness continues to spread, reminding us all to live with gratitude, offer help when we can, and meet others with compassion.

To learn more about Stef Ripple, get involved in upcoming events, or support their mission, visit www.stefripple.org.

Keep the Ripple Going.