Father Grateful For His "Miracle Child"

Healing For Child With Rare Heart Condition & Sickle Cell Anemia

Two years ago, Ashley Howard, a ten-year old girl on Chicago’s west side didn’t have a bright future. Born with a rare heart condition, Truncus Arteriosus, Ashley only had three heart valves instead of four, and required open-heart surgery at 26 days old. Besides coping with a transplanted valve, Ashley is challenged with sickle cell anemia, had been exposed to lead, and spent most of her life in the hospital. She would have two more heart surgeries before her father, Larry, got joint custody of her along with her older brother.

“Every three to four weeks, she was either going to the hospital or coming from the hospital,” said Howard. “You don’t know how long you have with that disease.”

Her primary doctor, hematologist Dr. Paul Kent from Rush University Hospital confirmed Ashley’s history. “I’m sure she has been hospitalized at least 140 times in her life,” said Dr. Kent. “”She had at least 15 pneumonias and dozens of blood transfusions. On top of Sickle Cell Anemia, she has a very serious heart condition. Either of these two conditions would debilitate anyone.”

Due to her lengthy hospital stays, Ashley couldn’t read in the fifth grade at Bronson School. “I’d have to stay at her bedside seven days a week,” said Howard. Ashley was held back after the year ended.

“I didn’t want her to go forward without the basics,” explained her father. “If you don’t get your foundation right, it won’t work for you in 6th, 7th and 8th grades.” Ashley also experienced severe headaches. “She was crying everyday before going to school. The work was too hard for her, and she was having so much stress. The headaches were causing her to go back into the hospital.”

On her own, Ashley discovered the Westside Health Authority (WHA) playground, at 5437 W. Division, where she was noticed by Carolyn Flowers, a WHA staff member. Carolyn encouraged her to attend their After-School Youth Program, and gave her a brief tour. Ashley learned that along with other students, from ages 6-18, she could get help in schoolwork, computer technology and social skills. Healthy food was also provided. Ashley urged her father to sign her up. The rest is history. (WHA is non-profit, relying on grants or contributions.)

“They helped her with her homework,” said Howard. “That after-school program at WHA made a difference. At her public school, she’d tell me, ‘All they do after school is put me on computers.’ It didn’t help. One day, she missed her bus and walked seven blocks in the cold weather to get to WHA. Her commitment was so strong.”

Through a friend, Ashley also found her way to the Greater Garfield Baptist Church.
Her father said, “Next thing I know, she is going to church three days a week..” Another unusual event was getting a wrong number from Sandy Milton in Kansas who decided to help the family. After a few calls, Sandy flew out to help the Howard family, staying for a few months. She gave Ashley support both at home, in school and during her last stay in the hospital.

Ashley now sings in the Bronson after-school choir, attends the WHA after-school program five days a week, and attends church choir and bible studies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays. “She’s busy!” said her father, marveling at her new strength and energy. Recently, Ashley was promoted to the 6th grade.

After joining a class trip to see the film, Akeela and the Bee, Howard decided to teach Ashley new words – just like the movie’s spelling bee champion. Her father was amazed. “I took cards and started writing words. This girl learned 100 words and their definitions in two days! She’s like a sponge now. She’s got a big memory. It’s like watching a flower blossoming.”

But the most startling change was in Ashley’s health. “I forgot to take the child to her doctor,” admitted Howard with embarrassment. “I knew I was overdue.” Ashley’s condition requires blood transfusions every three to four weeks. In the past, her doctors would see her in the emergency room, and prescribe medications from her bedside. Her last visit had been on October 11th, over eight weeks ago. With a feeling of panic, Larry got Ashley to the hospital for her blood test. The results were astonishing – a normal reading! “For the first time, she didn’t need a blood transfusion,” said her father. “It was totally unbelievable. I know I’m witnessing something.”

Dr. Santucci, Ashley’s cardiologist at Rush University Hospital said, “This is the best I’ve seen her. She has marked improvement.”

“She has done remarkably well in the last six months,” added Dr. Kent. “With her new medication, hydroxyurea, she really benefited. She’s a new girl.” Kent reflected, “But no medication is going to work without support. Those who do well have diligent parents. Westside Health Authority allowed her to be a normal girl and show her true potential. Her life isn’t being overwhelmed by sickness.” Kent paused, and added, “It takes a village.”

Carolyn Flowers from WHA paid her own tribute. “Ashley is a courageous individual, a fighter, and loves to make friends. The staff loves having her.”

“She’s really happy now,” said Howard. “And I owe a lot to that after school program. They’re teaching her about healthy food and manners. She’s like a miracle child.”

Ashley is thrilled too. As ‘Most Improved’ student, Ashley excitedly told her father, “I’ve got my eyes on 7th grade!’