Meet Ashlyne – Wilms Tumor Warrior
“Our NCCS case manager has been a pleasure to work with and very helpful with the whole process of helping my little family. We've been blessed with such a wonderful resource.”
Ashlyne’s Journey
Just one month before Ashlyne’s 4th birthday, life seemed perfect for this beautiful family. Despite recently learning about an anemia diagnosis, she was a healthy and vibrant little girl. Her days were filled with laughter at daycare, playful evenings at home, and the comforting routine of family life. But on one ordinary evening, their world came crashing down.
It was a long day. Emily and Samuel, Ashlyne’s parents, had been at work while Ashlyne spent the day playing at daycare. After her mom picked her up, they settled into their usual evening routine. Dad was attending school in the evenings for electrical engineering when, at 8:30 that night, Ashlyne’s demeanor completely changed. She was struggling to breathe, her little body wracked with pain, and her cries echoed through the house. Panic surged through Emily, and she immediately reached out to her husband. Samuel knew something was very wrong with their daughter and rushed home without giving it a second thought.
At the hospital, the initial diagnosis was pneumonia. However, further scans and lab work revealed something unexpected, something neither Emily nor Samuel ever dreamed possible. Their daughter had a cancerous mass. Ashlyne was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a rare type of childhood cancer that affects the kidneys. She was transferred to their local children’s hospital about 30 minutes away to begin her treatment journey. Despite the severity of her diagnosis, Ashlyne faced her treatments with courage and optimism, inspiring everyone around her with her strength. With Emily’s employer offering flexibility during this trying time, she was able to stay by her daughter’s side while Samuel worked overtime to keep the family afloat.
However, Ashlyne’s parents became increasingly overwhelmed as they learned about a world completely new to them. What is Wilms tumor? What are the treatment options? What will our daughter’s future look like? A hospital social worker sat with them to answer any questions and knew the family would benefit from help from The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS).
“The wonderful [hospital] social worker had given us resources and the NCCS was one of them. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the NCCS, because their assistance has helped with gas, groceries, and bills. They are a wonderful resource and also have wonderful and helpful employees,” Emily said.
How We Helped
Through the Transportation Assistance Fund, Ashlyne’s family didn’t have to worry about how they were going to get to each appointment. The Emergency Assistance Fund helped with meals and bills so the family could focus all of their efforts on being by their daughter’s side through treatment.
Vital educational and emotional resources were also provided to the family by their dedicated NCCS case manager. They took comfort in learning about the road ahead with a free parent guide, The Other Side of the Mountain: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Childhood Cancer, helping them to navigate the complex world of childhood cancer. Ashlyne received an educational coloring book, Sammie’s New Mask, to help her understand what it means to have cancer and offer a creative escape during her hospital stays. Emily shared, “Our NCCS case manager has been a pleasure to work with and very helpful with the whole process of helping my little family. We’ve been blessed with such a wonderful resource.”
Ashlyne’s story is one of resilience, love, and family. Even at such a young age, she embodies the true spirit of a warrior—facing her battle with a smile. With her family by her side and support from organizations like the NCCS, Ashlyne continues to smile through treatment, showing us all that even the smallest among us can be the bravest.
