A woman with long, wavy hair smiles while standing and holding a walker. She wears a loose tan top and jeans, and stands in a modern indoor space with a blue backdrop behind her.

Ashley Tobin

Patient, Andrew C. Carols Multiple Sclerosis Institute

  • Empowerment

About the portrait

Self-Titled

Keep Going

Photographer

Celina Odeh

About Ashley

Ashley Tobin, from Auburn, Alabama, began her journey at Shepherd Center after being diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in June 2023. After experiencing two relapses that disrupted her active lifestyle, she completed a month-long inpatient stay and continued her recovery through Shepherd’s Multiple Sclerosis Institute.

Together with her husband Bruce, Ashley runs a small business and enjoys balancing work with outdoor adventures and time spent with their beloved dog, Lady.

Her portrait, “Keep Going,” reflects her resilience and hope. Looking back on her rehabilitation, Ashley emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability, pushing past fears, and finding strength in community. Shepherd Center helped her realize how strong she truly is, even at her lowest points, and taught her that recovery is possible, even when it feels uncertain.

Her message to others facing similar challenges is simple but powerful: advocate for yourself, seek the care you deserve, and never lose sight of hope. Ashley expresses deep gratitude for the Shepherd Center’s compassionate staff and life-changing environment, which has been key to her healing and growth.

In her portrait

Ashley chose to be photographed with two people who were instrumental in her healing:

  • Bruce Tobin (husband): He has been her steady anchor through every stage of her MS diagnosis and recovery, her biggest cheerleader, and daily course of strength.
  • Tayla Magnus (occupational therapist): She offered care that went beyond therapy sessions, often turning ordinary days into joyful, hope-filled moments.
Two women pose and smile in front of a blue backdrop. One woman sits in a wheelchair wearing a brown top and jeans, while the other kneels beside her, dressed in a light beige shirt.
A smiling woman stands next to a man in front of a blue backdrop. The woman holds onto a walker, wearing a brown top and blue pants. The man stands behind her, wearing a brown shirt and beige pants. Studio lights are visible in the background.
A woman with light brown hair sits confidently on a rolling walker in front of a blue backdrop in a photography studio, wearing a tan top and blue jeans. Natural light streams through large windows in the background.
Left image: Ashley and Tayla; Top right image: Ashley and Bruce; Bottom right image: Ashley