By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist
Little Asher is a super friendly kid with a smile that’s guaranteed to melt your heart. He loves to dance, play with his siblings (all nine of them!), and sing the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” song with anyone who cares to join in.
Asher was born with Down syndrome and diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the age of 1. But even though his life is filled with tough treatments and long hospital stays, Asher’s mom, Sharonda, says he continues to bring joy to everyone around him. “He’s our little Superman”.
Besides the love of his large family, Asher also has the support of his Chemo Pal mentor, Brittany. The two were matched up last year and have been best friends ever since. “We’re so grateful for our Chemo Pal who has become a part of our family,” says Sharonda. “If there’s a bright side to this experience, it’s been meeting wonderful people like Brittany.”
Asher was named a 2015 CCA Hero and was honored at a ceremony alongside his family and friends.
Asher is one of the 250 Pacific Northwest children and teens CCA’s Chemo Pal® Mentor Program has brought the joy of friendship in the past year. Trained Chemo Pal mentors have devoted 5,800 hours forging and strengthening friendships and family bonds, bringing diversion, fun, and activities to kids during their treatment. Chemo Pal mentors also give parents a much-needed break to grab a cup of coffee, talk with doctors, or spend time with their other children.
In 2013, Oregon Mentors awarded CCA’s Chemo Pal Mentor Program with their most prestigious award for mentoring excellence, recognizing the program for exceeding standards of excellence and quality.
With your support, we can match even more seriously ill children and teens with compassionate adults who offer supportive relationships throughout treatments.
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