Ashley Strong

We recently traveled to Nebraska, where Ashley was evaluated by a highly specialized intestinal surgeon. While we had hoped for more answers, we learned that due to the complexity of her disease — which still carries many unknowns — an intestinal transplant is not an option. Her body would ultimately reject a new organ, causing it to fail. That was a difficult reality to hear.

Right now, the focus is on strengthening Ashley’s body and stabilizing her nutrition by adding vitamins to her TPN, lipids, and iron infusions.

In July, we will return to Nebraska, where Dr. Mercer will perform 3 major surgeries: an ileostomy takedown, permanent placement of a central line, and a gastronomy tube exchanged for a button. She will be in the hospital for up to 2 weeks and need to remain in Nebraska under a doctor's care for another week. A follow-up trip in November is required to check progress and further tests.

While this is a big and daunting step, the hope is that these procedures will allow Ashley to drink again and improve her quality of life.

We are taking this one step at a time, holding on to hope, and trusting the path in front of us—even when it’s hard.

Thank you for continuing to pray, support, and walk alongside us. It means more than we can ever express.