Help Me Save Ashton's Life

“I was so scared and confused. I didn’t even know what to do, my heart felt like it was going to explode, next thing I know I’m on my way to the hospital. Thank goodness for my family around me. I can’t even imagine the outcome if no one was there. Is this what my life will be constantly in fear of dying?”-Ashton C.

This Impressive young lady is in great need of assistance. Ashton is one of the most ambitious, kind-hearted, soft-spoken, brilliant young ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Ashton is 15 years old, she’s a straight-A student, a Freshman in high school loves to hang out with her friends and family, and dreams of being a veterinarian. Ashton has a heart of gold; her smile lights up a room. Ashton sadly was recently diagnosed with Severe heart disease (Vaso Vagal Syncope and Supraventricular tachycardia). Doctors have stated that most people with Ashton’s conditions have become isolated because they’re unable to attend social events, school and or even be self-sufficient. That’s no life to live when you are 15 or any age. Reality hit home on Christmas 2022 Ashton had an attack while she was in the shower. She fainted due to an abnormally rapid heart rate and had to be rushed to the hospital.

One way besides constant medication to help manage life with this condition doctors say is to have the assistance of a service animal. As a parent myself there’s nothing, I wouldn’t do to make sure my child has the best quality of life possible. And that is what Ashton’s Mother Jen is doing. Jen is a single mother of two amazing children, she has been voted the hardest working woman in Kootenai County (Coeur D’Alene Idaho) Doing anything she can to provide for her children even through her own battles with cancer and lupus Jen doesn’t let that stop her.

Jen contacted the Paws Program; they understood the importance of Ashton's condition and her need for a service animal. Ashton was able to adopt Scooby with one hiccup. He needs further training for Ashton’s specific condition Scooby needs to be able to alert Ashton of complications, carry and retrieve emergency medications, alert the nearest person as well as find the nearest cell phone, He will also stay with Ashton laying his body over hers to keep her safe and calm as possible until help arrives.

The first thing Jen did was contact Pawsitive Difference to enroll Scooby in his training. The Cost of this training along with ever-mounting medical bills insurance only covers so much. And to great disbelief, they do not cover assistance for Service animals even if it's life-threatening. You can only imagine the heartbreak and frustration this family is going through. If any family is deserving of a go fund, I would nominate this family. Please help support a good cause and the future of this young lady. Let’s give Ashton the life she deserves to live.