Ashley at 2007
Family Carnival
Our lives changed forever in January 2006... Our only child Ashley (then only 19 months old) was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. We had so many questions like... Why our little girl? and What happens now? and Is she going to die? Only a parent that has gotten the same news can understand how your heart breaks at that moment. The journey was just beginning and we had no idea what was ahead for us. From the start the goal was to do whatever it takes to help her get well again. There was a change in the first week of chemo. Her tiny little body was so weak. I remember how horrible it was the day I held her as her hair just fell out into my hands. I tried not to touch it just to keep it alittle longer. But, now we know, it was just her hair. We can lose that, we can't lose her. She got weaker and moved less until she got to be like a newborn baby. She couldn't even hold her head up anymore. She moaned and cried all day and all night. All she wanted was for me to hold her and love her, so I did. A friend gave us a recliner so that I could hold her and try to get rest myself. After about 6 months, she showed major progress. She was cancer free, but now we needed to help her rebuild her strength. She started gaining weight and walking again. All she wanted to do was be like other kids... running, playing, and laughing. Anyone that knows Ashley knows she's a strong little girl. She loves her doctor and gets excited for all her appointments. This is her life and that's all she knows.(she thinks everyone has a mediport in their chest)We have now been through almost 2 years of chemo treatments. Only 7 months to go..we are going to make it!
Lionettes with Ashley at THON 2007
When Ashley was first diagnosed, we took time by ourselves, but quickly realized how we can't do this alone. Our friends and family were wonderful and very supportive. When we heard about The Four Diamonds Fund we signed up right away. That very day we got food vouchers, a gas certificate and a calling card. We knew right then that this is an amazing organization. They then put new tires on our car. People sometimes don't think about how it's very hard financially, when you have a sick child. My husband, John, had to take off work a lot. With 3 or 4 appointments a week, at first, and many hospital stays, the money isn't always there. The Four Diamonds Fund has helped us so that Ashley can have her daddy there when she needs him. Even a few months ago, they helped us make half of our mortgage payment. After all of that, the greatest gift they gave us was THON.
Ashley with Lionettes at THON Hoops 2008
Our absolute most precious and wonderful part of THON is our Adopt-a-Family organization. We are so proud to have The Lionettes. I have never met a more loving and caring group of people in my life. Ashley loves to be with them and that just touches our hearts as parents. They have done such unbelievable and great things for Ashley and us also. They are in constant contact with us and we know they would do anything for her. Even the girls who have graduated still keep in touch with emails, phone calls and little things for Ashley. What a great feeling to know that we are loved. I don't know anyone who doesn't want to feel that. These and many others are priceless friendships that I know will last way past our days at THON. They will be our friends for life.
We don't know what the future holds for our family, but we do know that we'll be together and we'll make it. I tell everyone to enjoy everyday!!!! Ashley is a beautiful 3 year old little girl. Her heart is sweet and she is very kind and caring towards others. I know that she will be an amazing woman someday and this whole experience is what will make her that way. Thank you so much to everyone who reads this and has helped our family. There are lots of people just like us that need you and you've meant so much to them. Thank you and enjoy today and everyday! - Elaine Fazekas
