It deeply saddens us to share the unfortunate news about the untimely death of Gretchen’s daughter, Ashton Ford. Ashton died unexpectedly on March 23rd at only 22 years old.

From Gretchen: “Ashton was a wonderful being in this world. She was so loved and will continue to be loved by many people. No matter what pain she was in, she would brighten the world for other people. She was a free-spirit who was kind and fun and loving. She will be greatly missed.”

Ashton’s death is not only emotionally devastating for Gretchen and her family, but unfortunately, very costly as well. We are reaching out to our amazing community for donations to help offset her final expenses, and if possible, to help relieve some of the financial strain Gretchen will face at this devastating time.

We are hoping to help support Gretchen with the cost of Ashton’s funeral expenses and her celebration of life gathering. In addition, we would love to help Gretchen and Charlie (Ashton’s younger sibling) with grief counseling to provide emotional support for them during this difficult time.

Gretchen is more than our office manager. She is our friend and truly one of the most honest and kind people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Gretchen  is a hard working single mother and never asks for help.

If it is within your means to help her family through this, it would mean the world to them. As cliche as it sounds, even $5 or $10 would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your support. Please follow this link to visit the GoFundMe Page that we set up for her.

A note from Dr Roy: ” Every once in a while, someone special walks into your life and shares this wonderful, confusing and sometimes crazy and devastating journey with you for a while. For me and Debbie (and many of the families in our practice), Gretchen Ford has been exactly that. Gretchen is our rock.

Many kids in the practice assume that Gretchen is my wife (and we sometimes joke that she is my work wife). One child recently asked if Gretchen and I are BFF’s (best friends forever) and there is certainly some truth to that as well.

Gretchen and I spend more time together than I do with anyone outside my immediate family and man am I grateful for that. Gretchen is among the most honest, kindest people I know. I think Webster’s dictionary actually has Gretchen’s picture under the definition for integrity. Trust me, I can go on a lot longer. Gretchen is part of our tribe here at Mindful Pediatrics and we want to be sure that she is taken care of. ”

With our love & gratitude,
Dr. Roy & Debbie Steinbock

About Debbie Steinbock, HHC

After years of being told that she had an "incurable" chronic health condition, Debbie turned to her diet to help her understand her disease, restore her body, and regain control of her health. Her personal journey has given her the knowledge and compassion necessary to help her clients take an active role in their own healing. Since starting her practice in 2000, Debbie has successfully helped hundreds of people across the country to improve their diet, enhance their current state of health, and eliminate a variety of health conditions.

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