The Ottumwa Police Association is hosting its 12th Annual No Shave November event to support 3-year-old Ashtyn and her courageous fight against leukemia.
Ashtyn, who turns 3 in November, is the big sister to 1-year-old Bristyl. Her family’s life changed dramatically in early June when what initially appeared to be a common illness led to a devastating diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as B-ALL.
Ashtyn first developed a high fever of 104 degrees and tested positive for E. coli and COVID-19 following an emergency room visit. When her fevers returned, she began experiencing pain in her arm and eventually lost the ability to walk.
After additional testing ordered by Bloom Pediatrics in Ottumwa, doctors discovered concerning blood work and referred Ashtyn to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.
Following a weekend of testing, doctors confirmed the leukemia diagnosis. Although her spinal fluid was clear, a bone marrow biopsy revealed that 89% of the cells in her bone marrow were cancerous.
Additional testing identified several gene mutations that place Ashtyn at a higher risk of relapse. However, there is encouraging news: she is responding well to chemotherapy.
Her treatment plan includes additional rounds of a month-long chemotherapy treatment known as Blina. The family expects her treatment to continue into 2029, with weekly chemotherapy through the middle of next year, followed by monthly treatments and daily chemotherapy medication at home.
The diagnosis has placed an enormous burden on the family. Ashtyn’s father, Thayne, works as a mechanic at Vaughns, while her mother, Madyson, recently had to leave her job to care for their daughters during Ashtyn’s treatment.
The family is facing years of medical care while managing everyday responsibilities and expenses, including travel, insurance changes, childcare and household bills.
Through its 12th Annual No Shave November event, the Ottumwa Police Association is encouraging the community to come together to help support Ashtyn and her family during this difficult time.
Community members are encouraged to donate what they can to help ease the financial strain of childhood cancer treatment. Those unable to contribute financially can also help by sharing Ashtyn’s story and raising awareness.
Above all, the family asks for continued prayers and support for Ashtyn, her little sister Bristyl, and her parents, Thayne and Madyson, as they navigate this challenging journey.
The community’s generosity can help remind the family that they are not facing this battle alone as Ashtyn continues fighting for a healthy future.
Source: Information provided by the Ottumwa Police Association’s 12th Annual No Shave November event announcement.
