In 1985, Ashley Dias was born with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that also afflicts her older sister. In 2001 during her freshmen year of high school, her lungs began failing, and she underwent a double-lung transplant. Thankfully, the surgery went well, but due to complications, she became diabetic. During her freshmen year of college, she began to feel very ill and knew something wasn't right. Her instincts were right, and as a result of CF and anti-rejection medicines, her kidneys started failing, and she was in a dire need of a kidney transplant. Thankfully, in 2005, she was granted that opportunity and the operation was successful.
She is extremely grateful that the prior surgeries have allowed her to live these 10 extra years, and without them that wouldn't have been possible. Sadly her new lungs are now experiencing rejection. Doctors say yet another double-lung transplant is critical for her to survive.
Despite these challenges, Ashley has been able to live a relatively normal life. After her first transplant she was able to participate in activities she never imagined throughout high school, such as joining her school's gymnastics team, getting her driver's license and graduating. In college, she was a cheerleader and active in a sorority. After graduating from college, she found a job she loved with a great company, but she had to stop working when her health began to decline. Ashley has an amazing support system behind her at all times, keeping her continuously determined to overcome her health battles once again.
To learn more about Ashley or to make a donation in her honor, visit her web bio on the NFT site.
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