Three Siblings, One Care Team: Ashley's Family Finds Hope and Healing

For more than a decade, Ashley's three children have received compassionate care at Children's National Hospital as all three navigate a range of conditions that impact their breathing and digestion.

The family's treatment journey began with the oldest son, Jonah. In his first few years, Jonah faced severe digestive and respiratory challenges.

"Doctors would say he just had a virus, but I knew something else was wrong," Ashley says. "His asthma doctor referred us to Dinesh Pillai, MD, a pulmonologist at Children's National, who then referred us to a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist."

Experts diagnosed 4-year-old Jonah with cyclic vomiting syndrome and bronchomalacia. The walls of his bronchial tubes — the airways that lead to the lungs — were weak and risked collapsing when he breathed.

"The GI team at Children's National saved Jonah's life," Ashley says. "I can't imagine what challenges we would have faced if we hadn’t received those diagnoses and proper treatment. Everyone went above and beyond with his care."

His sister Delilah became a Children's National patient as an infant. A swallowing study showed she had laryngomalacia — floppy tissue above the vocal cords that causes high-pitched breathing. She also experiences Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder because laryngomalacia makes swallowing difficult and uncomfortable.

The day before her 4th birthday, Delilah received a gastrostomy tube to deliver nutrition. Children's National made the day special.

"Although she's non-speaking, Delilah communicates about that moment quite often," Ashley says. "Child life specialists came in to celebrate her birthday with us. They sang and brought gifts, streamers and balloons. We always say she received the gift of life that year."

Their youngest sister, Ella, experienced breathing difficulties immediately after birth. Doctors also diagnosed her with laryngomalacia. At 6 months, a sleep study showed severe sleep apnea that required overnight monitoring. Ella also has cerebral palsy, which makes occupational and physical therapy essential parts of her daily routine.

All three children are autistic and work with Jennifer Shorter, a Children's National Occupational Therapist. She plays a vital role in supporting their development and helps each child build skills for daily living and communication.

"Jennifer has made a tremendous impact on all of my kids' lives," Ashley says. "Every time I speak with her, she's eager to learn more. If she doesn't have the answer, she researches or even takes a class to find it. She is truly dedicated to helping my children."

Ashley says her whole family finds comfort through difficult moments, thanks to their care team's reliable compassion: "Children's National has always been there, ready to help."