Although the weather was mild this summer that term does not
describe Ashley’s summer. In addition to
getting Rudy to several obedience classes and keeping in shape with her
therapeutic fitness sessions at Turnstone she found time for…
Attending her 7th Transverse Myelitis Association
(TMA) camp in Kentucky
-Going to three weddings
-Hosting a baby shower
-Visiting five new babies of family’s and friends
-Watching two Tincap baseball games
-Spending time with Grandma & Grandpa on their trip back
to Indiana
-Catching some rays at Lake Freeman and Lake Michigan
-At the TMA fundraising dinner in Columbus, Ohio
-Soaking in an IU game in sunny 80 degree weather and the
very next weekend weathering rain and wind in sub 50 degree Notre Dame
Our neighbor’s oldest daughter was married in July (writer’s
side note: both the bride and groom went to Ball State so you know that this
was a match made in heaven). It was a
beautiful ceremony and wonderful reception.
A couple years younger than Ashley, their daughter Chelsea
sought Ashley’s advice in selecting high school courses. Upon discussing her choices with her father
he sought assurance that she thought this was the appropriate mix of
studies. Her response was, “Dad, Ashley
Harrington recommends it.” At the end of
our cul-de-sac there was no greater educational authority as Ashley.
In July we ventured south to Scottsville, Kentucky to attend
our third TMA family camp at the Center for Courageous Kids. The weather was great; we had some awesome sunsets.
The camp’s staff was superb. We have
always had a positive experience at camp and yet this year they seemed to raise
the bar when it came to staff-camper interaction.
Ashley and Pauline Sandy
Messy Games!
Ladies Makeover Night
A beautiful day for a horse ride
The educational sessions were informative and well
presented. Each year the number of
professionals from doctors, therapists and researchers focused on these acute
demyelinating conditions grows. This is
leading to insights and more importantly, an improved dissemination of
advancements getting to the individuals and caretakers dealing with these
conditions. It is a blessing to be part
of a community that is proactively seeking solutions. The annual camp is a wonderful opportunity
for us to renew those connections and capitalize on what we learn that can be
applied to assisting Ashley in her recovery.
If you look very closely at the far left...
It's Ashley and Dr. Kerr
with Mom & Dad hiding
Ashley and Mary hosted a baby shower for her cousin Jessica
in early August and was visiting their new baby before the month was over. By the end of September two more cousins and
two good friends also had new arrivals.
Ashley was cooing over a lot of babies.
Also during the month of August Grandma and Grandpa sought
refuge from the Florida heat ‘back home in Indiana’. We offered sunshine, low humidity and of
course, Ashley’s smile.
With Grandpa and Grandma at a Tincap's Game
Dancing up a storm at her St. Mary's classmate Andrea's wedding
Wishing Emily good luck before she walks down the isle
At Beth & Craig's boat on Lake Michigan
September means birthday time for Ashley and we celebrated
her 27th along with her Uncle Mike and Aunt Barb. Her Cousin Jessica came with her children and
we had a great evening.
Last week in September - IU vs Maryland in Bloomington - Sunny and 80
First week in October - Notre Dame vs Stanford at Notre Dame - Rainy and 50;
tailgating with the Hogans
Ashley has been taking Rudy to obedience classes. It’s as much training the people as it is the
dog. Lately Ashley’s vocalizing has improved
and Rudy is replying to her when she calls him and is beginning to responding
to her commands.
At the end of September we went to a fundraiser in Columbus,
Ohio for a TMA. We enjoyed seeing people
we normally only see at the TMA Camp and meeting others involved in TMA that do
not attend camp. Dr. Greenberg, who was
the first specialist we spoke with when Ashley was stuck with ADEM was the
featured speaker. He delivered an
interesting speech with the wit we have come to enjoy.
Immediately following his speech there was a video to thank
Sandy Siegel. Sandy has been the
president of TMA since its inception 20 years ago. We had the pleasure to be in the video and to
express a token of our appreciation for all he and his wife Pauline have done
for the TMA family.
Speaking of the 20th anniversary of TMA my
wonderful sister Lynn took the TMA 20/20 challenge. The goal was to raise $400.00 via a $20.00
personal donation and getting 19 friends to do likewise. As of this blog posting Lynn’s efforts have
well surpassed the goal with a total of $1,015.00. Lynn’s efforts and the generous contributions
from many wonderful people have Lynn ranked as the third largest group of
contributions.
If you are looking for a worthy cause to support we
sincerely request that you consider a donation to the Transverse Myelitis
Association (TMA). We cannot fathom how
we would have addressed Ashley’s condition without the direction TMA has
provided us. It funds the camp we attend
each year. The association put us
directly in touch with the most knowledgeable resources available to address
the myriad of issues and complications that accompany ADEM. It has made it possible for us to have hope
for a continued recovery for Ashley.
You can join Lynn’s campaign at:
.JPG)
