Ashlee’s Fight for Life! ❤️‍

..My name is Ashlee Gambino. I’m 33 years old, a wife, mother, and retired professional fighter. Recently, I’ve faced an intensely tragic string of events that have deeply affected my family and me. That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Trigger Warning

In late November of last year, we unexpectedly and immediately lost our 3 (almost 4)-year-old daughter to acute leukemia. One week after her funeral, I was diagnosed with a rare heart and lung disease called severe idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. This causes progressive heart failure, a deteriorating condition for which there is no cure. My condition is so severe and fragile that I was given hope of reaching another 5 years. At the time of diagnosis, I was 20 weeks pregnant with a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Due to the severity of my condition, I was forced to terminate my pregnancy to save my life and prevent the suffering of my child. At such a late stage of this untreated condition, I wouldn’t have made it much longer. When it was discovered, the pressures in my lungs were five times what they should have been, and as a result, the right side of my heart is now twice the size it should be.

We lost our two daughters and were informed I have a severe terminal illness within two months. This has completely devastated us mentally, physically, and financially..

I now have to live with a machine attached to my hip that continuously pumps medication through a tube that goes up my shirt, into my chest, and directly into my heart. This medicine is not a cure but a treatment. The treatment is brutal, and sometimes I’m in bed for days. I have to mix my medication and switch out the pump every other day, a process that takes about 45 minutes, along with other routines. I also have to change the dressing for my tube 1-2 times a week, which takes about 25 minutes. Additionally, I must monitor my symptoms, continuously check in with my doctors, and take pills three times a day.

The lifestyle is not easy to maintain. I’m constantly in pain, always sore and fatigued. I cannot walk for long periods, submerge myself in water, or lift anything even slightly heavy. I have to take precautions about everything I do and everywhere I go. Needless to say, I cannot physically work or take care of my children full-time.

I’m starting this GoFundMe because we have been struggling hard emotionally and financially ever since all of this began, and we desperately need a break. The funds will go toward a headstone for my daughter, which we still haven’t been able to get for her. I need to pay for appointments with the specialists who diagnosed me until I can figure something else out. There are only a few specialists in the country, none of whom are in Nevada.

This is also for my very expensive medicine. Insurance covers most of it but not all.

I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this. If you cannot donate, please share our story! As a fighter, it’s hard for me to ask for help, but I’m thankful I still can. ❤️

-Ashlee