Caring For Ashley

Nobody would have even considered the possibility when the doctor told Ashley on January 28the, 2013 that within two days this otherwise healthy, vibrant 26-year-old woman would be rushed to the hospital by ambulance, unresponsive & fighting for her life.This was just the beginning of Ashley's battle.She was admitted into the Critical Care Unit with pneumonia in both lungs, Influenza A & a strep infection in her blood(sepsis).An added complication was that her blood oxygen level was so low that her body had started diverting oxygenated blood away from her extremities to her vital organs & brain. This was her body trying to keep her alive, which had severely compromised circulation in her hands & feet.A blood clot was also discovered in her right arm, and Ashley was taken to surgery to have the clot removed.  The vascular surgeon also had to remove a piece of muscle from Ashley's forearm because it was damaged from the lack of blood flow & the infection in her blood. Had it not been removed it would have continued to cause more infection.  The doctor said there is only a 13% survival rate for people Ashley's age that are that sick.  "Only time will tell." is the only thing that the doctors could tell her family.Through each complication, through each & every hurdle in her condition, Ashley fought, proving time & time again that she was NOT going to give up.Finally, on April 11th, 2013, after 10 LONG weeks, Ashley was released from the hospital to continue her recovery as an outpatient.Unfortunately, during the time when the circulation to her extreemities was compromised, Ashley suffered permanent damage to her right arm & hand. She may have to have future surgeries to aid in her healing. She also continues occupational & physical several times a week.Ashley is an extremely strong, brave & remarkable young woman to endure everything she has, as well as everything she continues to endure. The excrutiating pain in her feet & right arm are like having burns & frostbite all at the same time. Still, she pushes on with an inner strength that is an inspiration to all around her.We can't ease Ashley's physical pain, but we can help care for & show our support by helping to ease her financial burden as she continues with the long, hard road ahead of her.Thank you so much!