Ashlee Cramer was a professional dancer turned early childhood educator turned cancer caregiver. In 2014, her husband Patrice was diagnosed with Large B Cell Lymphoma, a quote “treatable cancer." She became the caregiver for her husband, she had to be both mom and dad to their three children, and of course, the sole source of income. May 12, 2016, Patrice died, at home, in hospice.
Ashlee and the three children with him, hugging him, holding him. The same year her husband died, Ashlee continued forward and translated her passion for music and dance into a successful multinational children’s program, Zumbini, which she created and developed for Zumba Fitness. She was grateful to be working, although devastated she could not share her success with her husband.
In 2019 Ashlee was certified as a “Happy for No Reason” trainer, based on the New York Times Best Selling book of the same name, by Marci Shimoff. A widow and mother of three, she somehow kept her positive, loving, energetic outlook on life. When her son Michael was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma in July of 2020, Ashlee quit her job to be Michael’s full-time caregiver. The journey of Michael’s cancer became a story to share, a purpose to fulfill. The mother and son started a podcast, Michael and Mom Talk Cancer, and soon after, a website, a blog, YouTube videos. They use social media, in particular TikTok and Instagram to update and inspire, as well as motivational speaking within the cancer community.
Ashlee returned to the Zumba Community, sharing “Happy for No Reason” at ZINCON in 2023 and 2024. Based on the session, Ashlee created the successful “Happiness Unlocked” e-learning for Zumba Fitness. She has been part of the 2025 webinar series for NBMT Link (National Bone Marrow Transplant Link), educating cancer survivors and caregivers on the benefits of incorporating the habits and tools for inner peace and “happier-ness”.
You will also find her at many upcoming events for The American Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and more! She is excited to announce she has two books which will be published this year. A children’s book about Michael’s cancer journey, as well as a manual for Caregivers.
To this day, Michael is still in treatment for many life-threatening complications, including chronic graft versus host disease, as a result of his cancer and bone marrow transplant. But he is alive. Michael and Ashlee continue to fulfill their purpose of sharing love and connection, not only with the cancer community, but with anyone who needs inspiration and motivation.