Hello friends and family, Ashleigh’s mom here. As many of you know, Ashleigh was diagnosed with Scleroderma in 2020. You may follow her on TikTok and watch her videos talking about the disease and its challenges. This month, she has experienced a new challenge and we, as a family, are trying our best to overcome it.

A few weeks ago, Ashleigh had a Scleroderma ulcer present itself on her right hand pointer finger. She has had these lesions before and with extreme care, the ulcer heals and she goes on. However, this experience was different. On November 10th, Ashleigh had an appointment with her rheumatologist and he prescribed strong antibiotics for the ulcer, which he noted had a bacterial infection, with the instructions that if the infection worsened, to immediately visit the ER. The wound seemed to get better and we were optimistic. On November 18th, she noticed a white area forming under the wound and her rheumatologist sent her for a hand X-ray. On November 19th, the white area was larger, so we went to the ER and within an hour, they had her on intravenous antibiotics and admitted her into the hospital. She was almost septic. On November 20th, Dr. Jones from BBJ performed a partial amputation on the right hand pointer finger. Unfortunately, the finger had necrosis from lack of blood flow. Dr. Jones also commented on the thumb and middle finger on the right hand having decreased blood flow and decomposing bone on the tips.

With the realization that the disease is rapidly progressing, Ashleigh has been accepted for Stem Cell Infusion Therapy in Austin. She has previously been in clinical trials at UTMB, but this is the first stem cell therapy she will experience and we are hopeful.

This past year, Ashleigh has paid out of pocket for all her medical care (which has been extensive) since she lost her insurance during the divorce. We are attempting to get her insurance now, but as you know, with a preexisting condition, it can be difficult and expensive. The Stem Cell Therapy cost is approximately $10,000. Ashleigh’s family will, of course, do our best to help her with this cost, but more therapy may be needed and there is the current hospital bill and appointments that need to be paid.

We are an extremely private family and pride ourselves on taking care of each other, but at this time, we need prayers and she needs any financial support that you feel led to give to help her be healthy and to heal. Remission is possible with Stem Cell Therapy, but complete healing is even more possible with your prayers.

Ashleigh thanks you and her family can’t thank you enough for your generosity.