At the age of four (4) years old, Ashley had an incredible “eye for fashion.” She could coordinate the cutest clothing outfits, as well as identify all the basic colors! However, she could not count numbers, could not read any words and could not learn any of the alphabets. Overall, she seemed un-interested in academics. This continued until age five (5) when Ashley entered kindergarten at which time she was formerly tested and diagnosed with severe learning disability, attention deficit disorder, and mild mental retardation. The overall medical/neurological prognosis was that Ashley had a pervasive intellectual developmental disability – with limited probability for growing out of it.
The news of Ashley’s challenges would only get worse as time moved on! By the end of first grade, the public school teachers became very concerned and most concluded that Ashley “could not learn” and would most likely not ever be able to learn. Of course, as a Mom and a strong believer in my child’s God-given ability, I just could NOT accept the teacher’s and the medical expert’s prognoses! This was the start of my advocacy journey for Ashley’s future and her right to live life to her fullest potential!
Ashley continued to struggle with academic learning in spite of every effort until one day her second grade teacher introduced her to phonics! She grasped the concept and it was like a light bulb turned on inside her brain. She began making progress – though slow - and we were so excited! Then suddenly, On January 10, 1994 - during fourth grade, she suffered a severe grand mall seizure. She was hospitalized and many tests were performed to determine what happened and why. We learned that Ashley now had another medical diagnosis to add to her list of challenges – epilepsy.
Life became extremely challenging for Ashley and me – as we searched for medical help and for someone to say none of this was real and it was not happening. But - it was very real. My marriage had ended when Ashley was four (4) as Ashley’s dad went in a separate direction – but, my life was consumed with making the best environment for my daughter to live in!
In May 1994, I accepted a job transfer, so Ashley and I moved to Colorado Springs - just a few months after the epilepsy diagnosis. The new job offered more financial stability and security to ensure I could better provide for Ashley’s needs. Immediately, I enrolled Ashley in a private Christian school; and, they offered a specialized curriculum for children needing extra talent development! Ashley began to thrive and learn – in her own way! She began taking ballet, tap, and jazz classes. She performed with the dance troop at the Pikes Peak Center for over four (4) years. She joined a praise dance ministry and performed in various local locations and Las Angeles, CA. She developed a deeper passion for fashion and clothing. She completed a certified modeling program! She modeled with the group in public locations across the city! She worked as a sales associate at a large local retail store for 5 months! She received her high school diploma and gradated from her school district’s Special Education Transition Program.
Ashley was living life to her fullest potential – and we were extremely excited! And, then again, suddenly In March 2009 – Ashley suffered an almost deadly Asthma attack. It resulted in respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest. She was in a coma for 6 ? days. But, God spared her life! Thank God she is alive – even though now she has Anoxic Brain injury – due to lack of oxygen to her brain for an extended period of time. Ashley is still fighting her way back from the medical complications of her two new illness however, the medical team is amazed at her recovery to date! She continues in daily Brain Sensory Therapy; but, she is such a mighty trooper! Just five (5) short months after the coma incident, Ashley said to me, “Mommy, I want to do a praise dance at church just for you – because of all you have done for me.” With trembling legs and marvelous determination, she did the dance! My heart rejoiced greatly! Ashley also often says to me, “I came back from the coma because I am a Princess and I still want to be a fashion model and own my own business and live on my own one day!”
I was called to do what I’ve done with Ashley. As well, I was called to start JOYFULCare HOMES because I know there are so many people out there who share similar challenges as Ashley and my deepest passion is to help them “Live Life to their fullest potential!”
