All right, here I go with a heavy heart and a deep sense of hope. I’m asking for help not for myself, but for the two people who mean the world to me: my 16-year-old granddaughter, Ashlyn, and her mother, Amber. Ashlyn is a sweet and intelligent young girl who faces daily challenges due to significant health and developmental needs.
Ashlyn has a disorder caused by a mutation on the CDKL5 gene, which causes a form of epilepsy that is extremely debilitating. This has led to uncontrollable seizures causing her to be non-verbal with developmental delays and motor skills issues, where she is unable to walk. She can only communicate by noises and sounds.
It saddens me so much to see Amber wanting Ashlyn to have a normal and fulfilling life. Ashlyn cannot function for herself. She requires constant, around-the-clock care. Amber has dedicated her entire life to ensure Ashlyn’s safety, comfort, and support in every possible way.
Caring for a child with special needs is an exhausting and all-consuming responsibility. Amber rarely gets a break, and while she does this so lovingly and with great patience, the toll it takes on her physically, emotionally, and financially is immense. Both of them are in need of support, whether it’s in the form of resources, respite care, specialized equipment, or simply help to ease the burdens of everyday life.
Any form of assistance, financial help, access to services, or connections to supportive programs would go a long way in improving their quality of life. It would mean the world to give Ashlyn the ability to grow and thrive, and to offer Amber some peace of mind and rest she so deeply deserves. They are two incredibly strong souls, bounded by love, and doing their best with what they have.
I may not be able to help much as I am of meager means, but I believe they shouldn’t have to do it alone. I believe in the kindness and compassion of others, and I’m hoping that someone reading this will be moved to help, whether by sharing this message, offering guidance, or providing support as they see fit.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Your help could make a real, lasting difference in their lives. If you would want to donate please go to PayPal.me/StevenBD