09/09/2026
A little update from our family
A little over a year ago, I shared that I had developed some sudden medical issues that turned our lives upside down. At the time, I was seeing my neurologist and GP, and we were hopeful this would be a temporary bump in the road.
Unfortunately, the past year has looked a little different than we hoped.
We do finally have a name for my condition: dysautonomia.
Iāve continued to experience episodes of fainting, problems with my heart rate and blood flow when Iām upright, extreme heat intolerance, fatigue, brain fog, and days when even normal, everyday activities feel overwhelming. Iāve gone through countless appointments, tests, procedures, medications, and IV infusions. Weāve received some answers along the way, but weāre still working with my doctors and specialists to understand this very complicated condition.
My cardiologist calls me his āunicornā because Iām one of only three patients in his entire practice who hasnāt responded to the usual treatment protocols. While dysautonomia has no cure, its symptoms can be managed, and weāre continuing to work toward finding the right treatment plan for me.
Iām learning what my body can and canāt handle, what helps, andāprobably the hardest lessons for meāthat sometimes I have to stop before Iām ready to stop, to ask for help or to simply say no. For someone who was accustomed to having about 37 things going at onceā¦that has been a HUGE adjustment!
My husband, Travis, and our kids, Claire, Rainey, Vivian and Noah, have taken on an incredible amount to keep our family, farm, and business going. Weāve also been blessed with help from friends and our community. Because of them, Dunsfield Heidrun Farm is still here.
And weāre finally planning to venture back outāas Iām able!
We plan to attend Zonta and Jackson County Fair in October, as well as Gingham Tree and Merry Market in November. We may try for other markets but will have to play it by ear.
Things may look a little different. You might see me sitting behind our booth instead of standing and talking all day. My husband or one of the kids may be the one helping you. I may disappear for a break, have to leave early, or occasionally not be there at all. We may not bring quite as much as we once did, and there may be things we simply have to say ānot this time.ā
Thatās something our family is learning together: Different doesnāt mean done.
Weāre figuring out how to keep doing the things we love while also accepting that my health has changed what Iām capable of doing right now.
So, if you see us this fall, please stop by and say hello! Iāve missed our customers, our market friends, and being part of the community more than I can say.
And to everyone who has checked on me, prayed for me, sent messages, placed orders, shopped with us, helped our family, or simply continued supporting us while weāve been a little quieterāthank you.
Your prayers, patience, well wishes, and continued support have meant the world to all of us.
ā Ashley