My daughter Aspen is a born fighter, and at just 14 years of age, she has the ability to captivate a room with her gorgeous smile, and contagious laugh.
Her story of survival dates back all the way to when she was in my womb. Early on in my pregnancy, I was faced with something very traumatic, I miscarried her twin. We did not know at the time that I was pregnant with twins. A couple of weeks went by, and I still "felt" pregnant. Everyone dismissed my feelings, saying that I was simply "mourning the loss of my baby". I had been ill and decided with the advise of my doctor that I needed to have a  surgery to have a tumor removed from my bladder. Now, I had taken numerous pregnancy tests in leading up to this surgery, the doctor even performed blood tests...no pregnancy was detected. About a week after my surgery and undergoing anestheia, I became sick with what I thought was morning sickness. I took an at-home test, and within seconds it was positive. I was scared. After calling my doctor in a panic, she sent me in for an emergency ultrasound only to find, I was almost 4 months pregnant! So I had had numerous radiation tests, anesthesia, narcotics and surgery all while I was 3 months pregnant...
My labor with Aspen was quick, just 2 1/2 hrs is all it took! She was born a healthy 7lbs 13 ozs, and more beautiful than you could imagine. Aspen did not develop breathing problems until 6 months of age. And after that, it was non-stop hospitalizations, drugs and trips to the ER. 
Aspen was admitted into the hospital 3-5 times a year for the first 5 years of her life, usually for pneumonia and/or RSV. And at around 6 yrs old she seemed to get somewhat better. The hospitalizations were no longer, and ER visits were almost non-existent. She's lived a pretty happy healthy life (for someone with severe asthma), up until last winter. For some mysterious reason she became sick. Aspen missed more than half of the school year last year, and in the spring of 2014, she was pulled out of public school so she could rest comfortably at home and do online school. She has gone through numerous blood tets, allergy tests, lung function tests, nuculear medicine, x-rays, ct scans... and no one can seem to find an answer as to why she continues to get worse.
On July 4th 2015, we had to call 911.  Aspen was then hospitalized for two weeks. Her liver, spleen, gallbladder and lungs became very sick. She tested positive for CMV,  EBV and Mono. Her liver, spleen gallbladder and lungs were in horrible condition, and she was on 2 liters of oxygen for 10 days. On the 12th day, we took a ride in the ambulance to Doernbechers Children's Hospital, in Portland, where she was observed for 24 hours and then discharged. 
Because we live in a smaller town, we do not have access to the various specialists my daughter needs. We have been referred back to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland Oregon, in hopes we can find answers with liver specialists up there. We have family history of serious liver issues. Upon our last visit, we were told that Aspen has: Chronic Asthma, Lung Disease, 3 Fused Vertebrae in her Thurassic as well as Scholiosis. Aspen is in constant pain from her spine and her liver and spleen as well. She has lost over 20 pounds in a couple of weeks, as she is frequently nauseated and/or vomitting. Her newest doctor in Bend is also referring her back to the spinal surgeon here, to see if her spinal fusion has been contributing to her lung problems these last couple of years.
It is scary when your child suddenly cannot breathe and starts to turn blue. They are giving her all of the meds they can, which are not much because her liver is still recovering. Despite all of this, Aspen is almost always a smiling ray of sunshine.
I am a strong/stubborn single mama who is a full-time student and  has lots of pride. It is hard for me to ask for help... but it's time. I am needing to raise money to get my daughter back and forth to Children's Hospital, pay for the enzyme liver support supplements her doctor wants her on, yoga, acupuncture, swimming. Also, we do not have a working car at this time. Oh, and my son starts his junior year at Mountain View High in a couple of weeks!! I do not receive child support, and am trying to finish up 16 credits at COCC, so I may transfer to the University. I also have a 1996 Volvo wagon that does not run. It starts, but does not run. **make offer**. 
My mom recently moved away and just got word that she too, is not well. Thank you for taking the time to read about Aspens journey...your continued love, support and prayers are much appreciated.