Bringing Support, Awareness, and Hope

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Pray for Gray is North Dakota’s only 501(c)3 nonprofit brain tumor organization. The organization was founded in 2007 by local brain tumor survivor, Julie Fletcher and it aspires to be an organization filled with hope for all who’s lives have been altered by a brain tumor diagnosis. We wish to share stories of people who have been affected by brain tumors, showing the reality of their existence, yet creating an avenue for hope.

 The purpose of Pray for Gray is to raise awareness of brain tumors themselves, educate local communities, create connections for those battling, and raise funds to help meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. All proceeds accumulated by Pray for Gray will go to support area persons diagnosed with brain tumors and to support brain tumor research programs in hopes of promoting prolonged patient survival.

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Pray For Gray

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September 19th, 2026
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Leslie Dawson grew up in Fargo and continues to live here with her family. A graduate of Fargo South High School, she went on to earn a degree in Business Management from North Dakota State University. Today, Leslie works in Marketing and Administration at Quality Concrete.

Leslie was introduced to Pray for Gray after her brother, Ross, was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma in February 2023. Throughout his courageous battle, she found strength, comfort, and connection through the Pray for Gray community. After Ross passed away in February 2025, Leslie committed herself to honoring his legacy through compassion, advocacy, and supporting others affected by brain tumors. She is honored to serve on the Pray for Gray board, where she can help advance this mission every day.

Leslie and her husband, Joey, have three energetic boys who definitely keep them on their toes. When she finds a bit of free time, Leslie enjoys playing volleyball, going for runs, reading, volunteering, and spending time at the lake with family—no matter the season.

Ashley Anderson is a Fargo native and Realtor with eXp Realty. She has worked in real estate since 2016, with experience in property management and construction finance, and has held roles in accounting since 2008. She holds a business degree from NDSU and a Masters in Investment Management and Financial Analysis from Creighton University.

Ashley’s involvement with Pray for Gray began after her brother, Travis, was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme in 2018. He was a past honoree and lost his battle to brain cancer in April 2022, leaving behind his wife and three young sons. The organization provided invaluable support during that time, and Ashley formed meaningful connections with other families impacted by brain cancer. She joined the Board of Directors to support and uplift families facing similar battles, while continuing to honor her brother’s memory and legacy.

Ashley stays busy with her two active children, two energetic dogs, and a sweet rabbit. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, playing softball, going on camping adventures, reading, and photography.

Maren was raised in Crookston, MN and lived in Fargo from 1991 to 1999, returning in 2016. It was after her return that she met Patrick Schilling, who became the love of her life. They married in 2018.

Maren now works in Account Receivable for a local business and got involved with Pray for Gray soon after Patrick was diagnosed with a never-before-seen brain tumor in 2017. From 2018 onward, Patrick faced numerous surgeries and treatments over an eight-year battle. He passed away on Christmas Eve, 2025.

Despite this difficult brain tumor journey, Maren and Patrick found comfort, support, and lasting friendships through Pray for Gray. Maren continues to advocate for brain tumor warriors and their families through her involvement with Pray for Gray.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping and spending time outdoors, having family game night, and cherishing moments with loved ones.

Ashley Erdmann is a Fargo-based project manager and community advocate. She is a proud single mom to two children, Ava and Alijah.

Ashley’s connection to Pray for Gray is deeply personal. Her daughter, Ava, has been bravely battling medulloblastoma since 2018. Through Ava’s journey, Ashley has experienced firsthand the challenges families face after a brain tumor diagnosis and the incredible importance of community support, awareness, and research.

Her family’s experience has fueled her passion for advocating for brain tumor awareness and supporting other families navigating similar battles. Ashley is honored to support Pray for Gray’s mission to raise awareness, provide support to patients and families, and fund research aimed at improving outcomes for those diagnosed with brain tumors.

When she isn’t working or volunteering, Ashley enjoys skydiving and spending time with her children and their two dogs, Toby and Bentley.

After obtaining Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Child & Family Development, Hiliary completed Master's work in Human Development, while starting her career in the disability field. Hiliary has been a disability specialist since 2010, and has served as the CEO for a disability non-profit since 2015. Hiliary began her time as Executive Director with Pray for Gray in March 2023, and brings her past personal and professional experiences to the Pray for Gray team. Hiliary is passionate about the nonprofit world and seeks to bring growth and new opportunities to Pray for Gray. When she isn't working, Hiliary enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, traveling, and experiencing new adventures.

Stephanie Gaboury currently resides in West Fargo with her husband Benjamin, and their two children, Aubrie and Jack. Steph has 12 years experience working in nursing in both Critical Care and Hospice, and currently works full-time as an RN in the Infusion Center at Roger Maris Cancer Center. When Ben was diagnosed with Malignant Grade 3 Astrocytoma in 2022, Steph was introduced to Pray for Gray. Steph says "Pray for Gray has been a pillar of strength, guidance, and support, as the Gaboury Family navigates the unknowns Pray for Gray has been the biggest blessing through all of this, they have become family.” In pairing her personal experience with her professional experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to Pray for Gray and she is excited to be a part of the Pray for Gray family, and aims to bring hope, joy, and comfort during every stage of an individual's journey. Stephanie joined the board in hopes of raising more awareness on brain tumors/cancer and hopes to speak to organizations about the importance of education and early detection.

Patric McCoy is an AEC professional with more than 20 years of experience.  He graduated from NDSCS with two degrees in May of 2002.  Having worked in the Fargo area since 2008, he feels a great sense of community in Fargo and a responsibility to give back to the community as much as possible.  He originally learned about Pray for Gray back in 2022 when two of his children (Deklan and Faragh) were selected as honorees for the annual gala.  Faragh was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 and bilateral ocular glioma in December 2018 (requiring chemotherapy) and Deklan was diagnosed with Grade 2 astrocytoma in April of 2021 (requiring resection surgery).  Pray for Gray was such a great resource as his family navigated through such a difficult time.  And he is very grateful to have been able to serve on the board since June 2023.

Grant lives in Grand Forks, ND with his wife Lindsey, and two kids Addison and Lincoln. Grant works for the North Dakota Highway Patrol as a Trooper. Grant first learned about Pray for Gray after Addison was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma brain tumor in December 2022. Pray for Gray has been there for the Wosick family from the beginning and has graciously given them gifts of support, wisdom, strength, hope, empathy, love, and a sense of community without hesitation. Grant joined the Board of Directors in 2023 to help other families like his and advocate for those with brain tumors/cancer.

Candice Ahmann is a Partner at Express Employment Professionals and has dedicated the last 17 years to the hiring and recruitment industry while helping businesses grow. Candice graduated from North Dakota State University, met her late husband Craig Ahmann, and has now been in Fargo for more than 20 years.

Candice first learned about Pray for Gray as Craig was a past honoree and lost his battle to brain cancer in the Fall of 2019. Candice joined the Board of Directors in 2021 to help other families like theirs while continuing to honor her husbands’ legacy.

In her free time, Candice volunteers with the business community and other non-profits such as the National Brain Tumor Society. Candice continues to reside in Fargo and stays busy with her children and fiancé, Bryce.