In April 2018, Ashtyn was wobbly and dizzy during cheer practice. When she also started having headaches and vomiting, it was cause for concern. Ashtynās parents learned from an MRI that Ashtyn had a rare type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. Ashtynās oncologist referred her to St. Jude Children's Research HospitalĀ®, where she underwent a second brain surgery, as well as proton therapy, chemotherapy, physical and occupational therapy, and other supportive therapies. Ashtyn has finished treatment, is doing well and returns to St. Jude for regular scans. āItās a terrible situation, to have a child with cancer, but St. Jude makes it less stressful on parents,ā Ashtynās mom said. āTheyāve made this a positive experience.ā Ashtynās Mom, Brittney, penned a Perspectives piece for St. Jude Inspire on 6/1/20 where she wrote, āNow that sheās finished treatment and is doing well, to describe it in a single sentence like that does not touch what the experience was for us, the roller coaster of emotions. Fear, hope, confusion, sorrow, gratitude, joy...sometimes all in the same day.ā
St. Jude | Kay