On January 29, my sister AshLee was rushed to the hospital due to what was believed to be a lupus flare. Upon arrival, she was given medication that unexpectedly worsened her condition, leading to her being placed in the ICU in critical condition. As her health declined, our family immediately came together to be by her side, while our mother stepped in to care for her three incredibly strong boys (ages 14, 10, and 7).

Although AshLee is now on the road to recovery, she faces a long and challenging journey ahead. She is working to regain her strength, vision, and ability to eat, among many other basic functions. Her doctors have warned that her recovery could take months. In addition to lupus, she has been diagnosed with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN Syndrome)—a rare and life-threatening skin reaction that causes severe blistering and peeling, typically triggered by an allergic reaction to medication. In AshLee’s case, she is allergic to sulfa drugs but was unknowingly given a medication containing a sulfa base, which led to this critical reaction.

On top of that, she has also been diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)—a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. This condition can cause vision loss, paralysis, and other severe neurological symptoms, making her road to recovery even more difficult.

As AshLee fights to heal, we are rallying together to support her and ensure her boys’ needs are met. As a mother and entrepreneur, she now faces financial uncertainty while unable to work. Our goal is to relieve her of the burden of monthly expenses so she can focus on her recovery without additional stress.

We appreciate any support from our community to help AshLee and her children during this difficult time. Thank you for standing with us on this journey to get her back on her feet.

Sincerely

Her Big Sister

(ShaKay Grey)