The Olympic flame became part of the modern Olympic games in 1928. The torch relay began eight years later when the flame traveled from Olympia, Greece, to Berlin in 1936.

Torchbearers traveled 13,500 miles over 65 days to run the Olympic flame to its final destination in Salt Lake City for the February 8 opening ceremonies.

Each morning of the relay, the highly guarded, never extinguished Olympic flame would ignite a torch that passed from person to person over 200 miles every 12 hours. This year’s silver torch resembled an icicle, symbolizing both winter sports and the theme of the games: Light the Fire Within.

Mitt Romney, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee explained, "The Olympic Flame and this Torch are the unifying images of America’s Games, honoring the inspiration of the human spirit. Just as Olympians inspire nations, there are individuals in our lives who inspire each of us as well."

Those who know Ashton understand why she was chosen to represent the spirit of Olympians; she has the kind of heart and passion that motivates others to overcome adversity, to strive for excellence, and to make positive changes in their lives and their communities.

The relay run was a very special experience for Ashton and her family and friends. "I ran in St. Louis, where much of my family lives, and for me, it was a reminder of how fortunate I have been," she said.

Four years ago, at the age of 39, Ashton was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her battle was hard fought, but for the sake of her husband and two small children, Ashton promised herself that she would do whatever she had to do to survive. That included surgery and a grueling course of chemotherapy.

One year ago, the cancer returned in her liver. After more surgery, an arduous course of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, Ashton is now in remission.

Overcome with emotion, Ashton reflects on the irony of the situation. "I had no risk factors. I’m an avid exerciser, eat broccoli regularly, and have no family history of breast cancer," she said.

It is also ironic that ten years ago she cared for children and their families undergoing similar challenges when she worked as a staff nurse in the pediatric bone marrow transplant unit at University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

"I also think of my own children Abby, 7, and Andy, 9, and how difficult it is for them to understand all of this," she said. "What has really helped me the past four years as I have been overcome with grief about my illness, is to focus on the wonderful everyday things that involve my husband and children–birthday parties still have to be planned, and the dog still needs to be walked."

Ashton’s husband, David, sent regular e-mail updates to family and friends through an online "Alert Roster" he created.

"The support or our friends and family and co-workers has meant the world to us," she said. "We couldn’t have made it without that."

Ashton was nominated by her friend, Anne Klein, who works in the Emergency Treatment Center’s billing department.