Ashley's Fund

Sunday July 14, 2019 Ashley's life dramatically changed in an instant. She woke up to a normal morning and by the afternoon she was being life- flighted to Kennestone Hospital where doctors have determined that she has suffered from an AVM (Arteriovenus Malformation) that she did not know she had. AVM's are an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, usually in the brain or spine.  They are usually present at birth. The arteries and veins in an AVM can rupture, causing bleeding into the brain. She is in ICU with significant bleeding. Doctors have worked to reduce the pressure on her brain by inserting a catheter to drain the fluid. For the past 4 days, she has been intubated and heavily sedated to keep her body in a mode for stabilization. She is currently stable and doctors are working to remove the breathing tube so that she can breathe on her own. Last update, they turned the air off to the breathing tube and Ashley was breathing on her own for about 50 minutes. One great detail to this horrifying situation is that Ashley is somewhat responsive to stimuli in the room. She seems to know when people are talking to her and has managed a short thumbs up and a faint hand squeeze when asked questions by her mom and the docs.  The prognosis the doctors are giving at this time are 6-8 weeks minimum in the hospital with an unclear time frame to her recovery. The AVM is located on the left side of her brain and the doctor is not sure at this time what all the effects it will have on Ashley in regards to speech or motor skills. All of that will be determined in time as Ashley is out of the woods from the initial bleed. She is looking at a potential long stint in rehabilitation.  We are raising money for current bills that still need to be paid and her out of pocket max on her insurance.  Please help in anyway you can, even if it is a just a dollar. I was always told, "Count your pennies and the dollars add up"! Prayers count too! Every little bit counts.  All of you who know Ashley, know what an amazing woman she is and her determination for things in her life! Please take the stress off her financially so she can focus on getting back to the Ashley we all know and love! Thank you from the deepest part of our hearts! -Ashley's family and friends