Faith for Ashton
Donation protected
My name is Ariel, and I am a 26 year old single mother to my 3-year-old son, Ashton. Shortly after Ashton was born, he was diagnosed with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). This is a rare condition that affects the immune system and can be life threatening. Since being born, we have had numerous hospital visits as Ashton has been more susceptible to sickness. Thankfully, we were able to secure a bone marrow donor for Ashton to combat the condition and improve his overall health. However, the journey which spans over 1 year, depending on the patient, has presented a number of challenges.
The transplant procedure is not a simple one-time visit to the hospital. In fact, I spent 72 days with my son in Comer Children’s hospital, February 15th – April 28th. We were required to be admitted a certain number of days prior to the procedure so that Ashton could receive preparation including chemotherapy, changes to his diet, and a number of medications and treatments. After the day of the procedure, the remainder of the time spent in the hospital was dependent on Ashton’s cell growth and progress. Though we were released on April 28th, we were only through the first phase of the process. The extended visits persist as they are dependent on Ashton’s response to various tests.
These unpredictable circumstances prevent me from being able to work a regular job. Ashton requires 24/7 care for roughly the next 6 months. If we are not checked into the hospital, I administer treatments throughout the day, monitor Ashton’s eating, and attend regular doctor appointments.
The purpose of this fundraiser is three-fold: help fund Ashton’s recovery; raise awareness for CGD; and send care packages to families staying in the hospital. CGD is a rare disease, which I hope to bring awareness to through the formation of a nonprofit and support group, Faith for Ashton. In addition, living in the hospital calls for many necessities. Another goal is to use a portion of funds raised to send care packages to families in the hospital, whether for CGD or another illness. This has been a challenging journey, but I want use my experience as a platform to inspire, support, and give to others.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
The transplant procedure is not a simple one-time visit to the hospital. In fact, I spent 72 days with my son in Comer Children’s hospital, February 15th – April 28th. We were required to be admitted a certain number of days prior to the procedure so that Ashton could receive preparation including chemotherapy, changes to his diet, and a number of medications and treatments. After the day of the procedure, the remainder of the time spent in the hospital was dependent on Ashton’s cell growth and progress. Though we were released on April 28th, we were only through the first phase of the process. The extended visits persist as they are dependent on Ashton’s response to various tests.
These unpredictable circumstances prevent me from being able to work a regular job. Ashton requires 24/7 care for roughly the next 6 months. If we are not checked into the hospital, I administer treatments throughout the day, monitor Ashton’s eating, and attend regular doctor appointments.
The purpose of this fundraiser is three-fold: help fund Ashton’s recovery; raise awareness for CGD; and send care packages to families staying in the hospital. CGD is a rare disease, which I hope to bring awareness to through the formation of a nonprofit and support group, Faith for Ashton. In addition, living in the hospital calls for many necessities. Another goal is to use a portion of funds raised to send care packages to families in the hospital, whether for CGD or another illness. This has been a challenging journey, but I want use my experience as a platform to inspire, support, and give to others.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Organizer and beneficiary
Ariel Coleman
Organizer
Chicago Heights, IL
Annsheran West
Beneficiary