Ashley's Angels
When Sherrie and her husband, Jeff, first walked through the doors of SickKids, they were overwhelmed by the seriousness of their daughter’s medical situation. Their two-year-old, Ashley, had suddenly become jaundiced (a yellowing of the skin and eyes) and they rushed her to SickKids. After a number of tests, Ashley was diagnosed with pediatric acute liver failure (PALF). Ashley was placed on the transplant list, but as her health deteriorated rapidly, she was prioritized on the National Transplant List to receive a new liver.As time ticked on and Ashley’s condition grew worse, the family began exploring the possibility of a liver transplant with a live donor. Fortunately, they did not have to look far for help. Ashley’s Aunt Cheryl was determined to be the perfect candidate and a portion of her liver was donated to save Ashley’s life.
It was through this life-changing experience that Sherrie and Jeff decided to develop the Ashley’s Angels Fund. The mission was two-fold: raise funds in support of transplant research, education and innovation targeted at enhancing both the quantity and quality of life years restored by transplantation; and raise awareness for organ and tissue donation.
“We were extremely thankful for the care Ashley and our family received at SickKids, but our wishes involved more than just being thankful,” said Sherrie. “We wanted to be able to support the transplant program through funding so that we are able to make a difference for current and future transplant recipients.”
Ashley is by far the bravest person I have ever met.
On Thursday, November 20, Ashley’s Angels will host the second annual Angels Catwalk for SickKids. The event, which raised more than $285,000 in its inaugural year, will feature some of the hottest fashions to walk the runway as well as tantalizing food from some of the city’s top restaurants and caterers. The event will also feature a special Donor Catwalk to raise awareness and celebrate donors and organ recipients.
“Without the team of Angels we met along our journey, Ashley wouldn’t be here today,” said Sherrie. “We wanted to honour SickKids, Ashley’s aunt, the living donor program, family and friends through the establishment of our fund, so the name Ashley’s Angels seemed quite fitting.”
Today, Ashley is a thriving seven-year-old who amazes everyone she meets. She enjoys waterskiing, tennis, competitive swimming, downhill skiing and gymnastics. But most of all, she just enjoys going to school and being a normal kid.
“While many people may look at her with sadness in their eyes, all I see is an incredibly brave and tough little girl that can get through anything,” said Sherrie. “Ashley is by far the bravest person I have ever met.”
You can join Ashley and her family on November 20 as they raise important funds for transplant research, education and innovation. Tickets are available through the Angels Catwalk for SickKids website. 100% of the ticket proceeds will go directly to SickKids.
