Ashley had always been a very calm and affectionate baby. Some nights, she would wake up to give her mother a kiss. When she turned eighteen months old, her mother Elida began to notice that her daughter was losing her appetite and was becoming very restless.
Worried about the health of her daughter, Elida decided to take her to the doctor to make sure she was alright. Unfortunately, the visit to the doctor revealed the worst news of her life ...her only daughter was suffering from a malignant tumor in her stomach. Ashley’s life was in danger. Her tumor was invading her intestines and pressing against one of her ribs. Soon, the cancerous cells had spread to her eye.
Ashley was diagnosed with a type of cancer called neuroblastoma. Due to the aggressive nature of the tumor her doctor referred her St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where doctors immediately had Ashley undergo surgery to remove the tumor in her stomach. As part of her treatment Ashley received chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant to try and contain the tumor in her face.
“My daughter is my life,” said Elida. “Everyday I pray to God to give me the opportunity to cherish moments with her.” With your monthly support St. Jude will be able to give children like Ashley the hope to live.
Created by St Jude Patients