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. 

Ashley Basta’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering faith in the face of overwhelming medical challenges. What started as childhood digestive struggles gradually developed into a complex and rare autoimmune neurological condition that now affects all aspects of her daily life.

Ashley began experiencing digestive issues as a child, including bloating, nausea, and severe discomfort after eating. Over time, additional diagnoses appeared, including celiac disease, liver complications, and other autoimmune-related symptoms.

As she moved into her teens and early adulthood, her condition became progressively more severe, bringing tremors, chronic pain, and worsening gastrointestinal problems that began to interfere with everyday living. The search for answers took years.

Eventually, specialists identified a larger underlying condition:

Autoimmune Autonomic Neuropathy with severe gastrointestinal dysmotility.

This rare disorder affects the autonomic nervous system—the system responsible for vital automatic functions like digestion, heart rate, and circulation.

Today, Ashley’s illness is considered severe and life-threatening. Multiple related conditions have compounded her situation, including:

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
   
• Gastroparesis and intestinal failure.
   
• Liver disease with tumors requiring monitoring
   
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
   
• Chronic anemia and autoimmune complications
   

Because her digestive system can no longer process food normally, Ashley relies on IV nutrition (TPN) to survive. Even drinking water can cause severe symptoms, making daily life incredibly challenging.

While this treatment sustains her, it is not a long-term solution and carries risks, including potential liver complications.

Ashley is currently pursuing evaluation for possible advanced treatment options, including consultation with a specialized intestinal transplant team in Nebraska.

This step represents hope—hope that her body may once again receive nutrition naturally and that her quality of life can improve.

She is also exploring innovative pain-management therapies to reduce reliance on heavy medications and improve overall comfort.

Ashley’s illness has affected not only her health but also her family’s financial stability. Medical expenses, travel for specialized care, ongoing treatments, and lost income have created a significant burden.

Despite these challenges, Ashley’s husband, Ryan, and their family continue to provide unwavering care, encouragement, and advocacy.

Through everything, Ashley’s faith and the support of her community have been a constant source of strength. Prayer, encouragement, and acts of kindness have helped sustain hope during difficult seasons.

This journey is not just about illness—it’s about resilience, love, and believing for healing even when the road is uncertain.

If Ashley’s story moves your heart, there are several meaningful ways to help:

• Prayer and encouragement
   
• Sharing her story
   
• Financial support for medical needs and treatment travel
   
• Community connection and advocacy
   

Every act of support reminds Ashley and her family they are not walking this road alone.

Thank you for taking the time to learn Ashley’s story. Your compassion, prayers, and generosity truly make a difference. We believe that together—through faith, community, and hope—healing and restoration are possible.