Asher's Treatment Fund
Donation protected
As Asher’s parents, we have always said we would walk to the ends of the earth for him. We never expected to have something like this happen to our baby. A fundraiser was something both of us have felt uncomfortable about, but we have decided to swallow our pride and ask for your help in order to give Asher the best fighting chance.
Birth Story:
After a perfectly healthy pregnancy, Asher Chong was born on February 11, 2019. This day was supposed to be the best day of our lives, but instead, it paved the way for the most difficult thing we have ever experienced. Asher was born via crash C-section and was unresponsive at birth. He went without oxygen for an unknown amount of time. He was immediately intubated and it took several attempts to resuscitate him. Once stable, he was transferred to a level 3 NICU where and was placed in a hypothermic state for three days to prevent further injury to his brain. He remained in the NICU for 29 days.
Diagnosis:
Asher was diagnosed with HIE- Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, which is a lack of oxygen, restricted blood flow, affecting the brain. Asher’s HIE has led to several secondary diagnoses over the past several months, such as Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Cortical Vision Impairment, Laryngomalacia and Gastroparesis. His brain injury also resulted in a G-tube placement, which we hope someday he will no longer need. HIE is not something that will ever go away. Asher will always be affected by what happened to him during his birth. He will always have to work harder than most in life. As his parents, this is a difficult concept to have to come to terms with and we feel we have to exhaust every single resource available to him in order to give him the best and most enjoyable life possible.
Therapies and Treatments:
As of now, we have invested tens of thousands of dollars toward therapy and treatment for Asher. Most of the therapies and treatments that are best for him are not covered by insurance because, although they are evidence-based, they are considered alternative. We spend an extra few thousand dollars per month just on additional Physical Therapy for him outside of what is covered by his insurance. We are now being faced with having to pick and choose treatments for him because it is becoming financially impossible for us to keep up with everything! I have also had to quit my job for the time being in order to care for him. We are asking for help in order to have stem cell treatment done, which is cutting edge and very promising, but also very expensive. This is a new treatment that is not yet approved, but we cannot wait around for it to become an approved medicine, nor can we wait to save up for this treatment because Asher needs it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We are hoping to do stem cells in December or January. We would also like to buy a home HBOT chamber to continue oxygen therapy long term, as we saw some good gains with the initial treatment. Lastly, we would like to enroll Asher in intensive therapy sessions at Napa Center Los Angeles next year. Napa Center is the world's leading therapy center for children with neuromuscular challenges and people travel from all around the world to attend. Asher's brain is still developing and there is a high probability for him to build new neuro-pathways. The sooner Asher can receive these treatments and therapies, the better long-term results he will have.
How you can help:
Any donation is greatly appreciated. 100% of the proceeds will go towards Asher’s medical and therapeutic treatments. If you are unable to donate, that is ok. You can help by spreading the word or sharing this fundraiser. Prayers are always welcomed and needed, too!
With all of that being said, it is important for us to stress how much we truly love our son just the way he is. Believe it or not, this experience has brought us closer as a family than we ever could have imagined and despite the hard times, we are moving forward. Please don’t feel bad for us! This life has given us a new perspective and purpose. We feel so fortunate to know each and every one of you and appreciate all of the love and support so far. We know how much Asher has touched many of your lives!
Birth Story:
After a perfectly healthy pregnancy, Asher Chong was born on February 11, 2019. This day was supposed to be the best day of our lives, but instead, it paved the way for the most difficult thing we have ever experienced. Asher was born via crash C-section and was unresponsive at birth. He went without oxygen for an unknown amount of time. He was immediately intubated and it took several attempts to resuscitate him. Once stable, he was transferred to a level 3 NICU where and was placed in a hypothermic state for three days to prevent further injury to his brain. He remained in the NICU for 29 days.
Diagnosis:
Asher was diagnosed with HIE- Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, which is a lack of oxygen, restricted blood flow, affecting the brain. Asher’s HIE has led to several secondary diagnoses over the past several months, such as Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Cortical Vision Impairment, Laryngomalacia and Gastroparesis. His brain injury also resulted in a G-tube placement, which we hope someday he will no longer need. HIE is not something that will ever go away. Asher will always be affected by what happened to him during his birth. He will always have to work harder than most in life. As his parents, this is a difficult concept to have to come to terms with and we feel we have to exhaust every single resource available to him in order to give him the best and most enjoyable life possible.
Therapies and Treatments:
As of now, we have invested tens of thousands of dollars toward therapy and treatment for Asher. Most of the therapies and treatments that are best for him are not covered by insurance because, although they are evidence-based, they are considered alternative. We spend an extra few thousand dollars per month just on additional Physical Therapy for him outside of what is covered by his insurance. We are now being faced with having to pick and choose treatments for him because it is becoming financially impossible for us to keep up with everything! I have also had to quit my job for the time being in order to care for him. We are asking for help in order to have stem cell treatment done, which is cutting edge and very promising, but also very expensive. This is a new treatment that is not yet approved, but we cannot wait around for it to become an approved medicine, nor can we wait to save up for this treatment because Asher needs it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We are hoping to do stem cells in December or January. We would also like to buy a home HBOT chamber to continue oxygen therapy long term, as we saw some good gains with the initial treatment. Lastly, we would like to enroll Asher in intensive therapy sessions at Napa Center Los Angeles next year. Napa Center is the world's leading therapy center for children with neuromuscular challenges and people travel from all around the world to attend. Asher's brain is still developing and there is a high probability for him to build new neuro-pathways. The sooner Asher can receive these treatments and therapies, the better long-term results he will have.
How you can help:
Any donation is greatly appreciated. 100% of the proceeds will go towards Asher’s medical and therapeutic treatments. If you are unable to donate, that is ok. You can help by spreading the word or sharing this fundraiser. Prayers are always welcomed and needed, too!
With all of that being said, it is important for us to stress how much we truly love our son just the way he is. Believe it or not, this experience has brought us closer as a family than we ever could have imagined and despite the hard times, we are moving forward. Please don’t feel bad for us! This life has given us a new perspective and purpose. We feel so fortunate to know each and every one of you and appreciate all of the love and support so far. We know how much Asher has touched many of your lives!
Organizer
Jamie Chong
Organizer
Simi Valley, CA