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Another Kind of Normal

This was it, this was supposed to be the year that Ashley would get sicker and need a liver transplant. In 2006 around this time we were told that Ashley would more than likely need a liver transplant in three years. They said puberty would cause problems for her liver. They said she would start spending more time in the doctors office and at the hospital then at home and in school. They were wrong.

Ashley is doing really well. This year we have had only a few minor illnesses with sinuses and sore throats. She has some how avoided the Swine Flu. Ashley pediatrician, however, has her on the list to be one of his first patients to receive the Swine Flu vaccination. It's amazing how normal things are becoming. So normal infact that we have procastinated opening up a new fundraising account for Ashley with COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association). But we are still trying to sell the last bit of her Love for Ashley Recipes for Life Cookbooks. Right now, I am busy doing fundraising of another kind.

We decided over the summer to allow Ashley to be part of the competitive dance company for Studio 5D. Ashley has been dancing since she was three years old and she has been dancing at Studio 5D for five years. She was part of the dance company a couple years ago but we pulled her out due to finances. It is quite expensive to be a member of the dance company. This year things are different. Studio 5D's competitive dance company is now a not-for-profit and we can now fundraise to help offset the costs associated with being a member of the dance company. So I have been working at various fundraising events to help pay for Ashley's membership into the company. Ashley is thrilled to be back in the company and cannot wait for the competitive dance season to begin.

We are so excited for Ashley, we have strong feeling that this is going to be a fantastic year for her not just with her liver health but with school and with dance. There are so many things she has to look forward to this year. I know her dad, brother, and I can't wait to see her smile on the stage as she does what she loves...DANCE.

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