According to Ashley, refusing the offers she received right after the accident had its downsides. Aside from the lack of support from the family, she wasn't being treated well. The yearly invitations she received for the family gatherings were their way of "punishing" her.
"It was a light punishment, considering I refused their offers," Ashley had told Penny while recounting her story. "So, even though I don't want to be in the same space as them, I felt it was better to assist Aunt Mildred's cause."
Mildred was the only one in the family who had supported Ashley all these years. Although not all of it was financial help, Ashley felt grateful for Mildred. Fortunately, Ashley was receiving support from her husband's insurance, which had been covering his medical care and medications. However, due to the high cost of her husband's medical needs, Ashley had to cut down on other expenses.