Skip to main content

About Pray for Gray

Donate

”“After being diagnosed with a malignant, aggressive brain tumor in the spring of 2007, I have been determined to beat this disease. In the fall of 2007 I was invited to attend a brain tumor fundraising event in Minneapolis. From that year on, I continued to support this event in hopes to someday find a cure for brain tumors. Feeling inspired by the event, I had a dream to start my own event closer to home in hopes of bringing together other individuals with brain tumors right here in our own surrounding area. It is a night to bring together individuals who have been struck by this disease and their family and friends and to share hope.”

-Julie Fletcher

Founder

Why We Pray for Gray

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. Pray for Gray wishes 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.

Founder
Julie Fletcher
Executive Director
Hiliary Chisholm
Board Members
Matt Olson
Tom Shirek
Maren Schilling
Patric McCoy
Candice Ahmann
Brad Schenck
Ashley Erdmann

Ashley is a mother to two beautiful children Ava and Alijah. She is dedicated to creating a brighter world for her children to grow up in. As an occupation, Ashley works in corporate accounting for Microsoft. Prior to moving to Fargo in 2016, Ashley attended college with in Bemidji. In 2018, Ashley’s young daughter Ava was diagnosed with brain cancer. Pray for Grey served as a great resource to the family and maintains a very special place in her heart. Ashley is dedicated to serving others in their time of need as she continues to navigate and celebrate uncharted territories with her daughter. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her children, photography, and loves home and crafting projects.

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.

Brad Schenck worked as a Moorhead Police Officer for 16 years, and served on the SWAT team during his time as an officer. He also served in the marine corps and the ND Air Guard. After experiencing vision, reading and memory difficulties, Brad was diagnosed with a brain tumor. 80% ot the tumor was removed and radiation and chemo were completed. However, after experiencing a seizure later on, Brad had discovered his tumor had returned. The return of the tumor forced Brad to retire from both the police department and the military. Since, Brad has become a Pray for Gray Board Member to help others who are experiencing similar journeys. When not assisting with Pray for Gray, Brad spends his time with his wife and three kids. He enjoys spending time at the lake in the summer and Mexico in the winter.

Candice Ahmann is a Partner at Express Employment Professionals and has dedicated the last 15 years to the hiring and recruitment industry while helping businesses grow. Candice graduated from North Dakota State University, met her late husband Craig, and has now been in Fargo for almost 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 two boys.