01/17/2026
I decided to go photograph the Buddhist monks today while they were still in Concord because yesterday, when I went to see them in Charlotte and in Concord, I didn't bring my professional gear with me. I wanted to experience the Walk For Peace as a mom of a special needs child. Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara often speaks of the tiger and monkey in ourselves, so yesterday I wanted to practice mindfulness.
Today, I ventured out to Concord as a photojournalist. I met one incredible woman. I didn't take a lot of photos because after the monks walked past the crowd that had gathered in front of Atrium Health Cabarrus, I had to track her down so I could get her story. Meet Ashley Heafner, 39, and owner of Mt. Pleasant Ninjas for the past 17 years. She grew up in Charlotte but now lives in Mt. Pleasant. After earning her 5th Degree Black Belt this past June, her health rapidly started to decline.
I asked her what she was feeling after meeting the monks earlier today. This is what she said: “My only wish for Christmas was to be able to see the monks when they come through town. Because I’ve been in the hospital for almost three weeks, and I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to see them, especially the opportunity to be outside and experience their presence. The moments before that makes sense, I felt overwhelming sense of peace, overall quietness. I didn’t expect for them to interact with me personally. The moment they stopped, I was overcome with genuine emotion and happiness. For almost an hour after I cried tears of joy. The road I have been on the last few months has been beyond challenging. Their timing of me being able to have the experience with them could not have been more perfect for me. They gave me a piece blessing bracelet and then another bracelet along with a few others that handed me flowers. When I returned to my room, I gave my doctors that made it possible for me to go outside, each a flower, and then one of the nutrition girls that has made my experience better while here in the hospital a flower. The rest of the flowers we are going to keep and preserve, so I can have them always.” Heafner has lost some cognitive skills over the last few months. They think it might be cancer. I do believe in the power of prayer, so I am calling all my prayer warriors to please pray over this beautiful young lady. Photos by Wendy Yang Photography Walk for Peace - Official Community Walk for Peace
