When you meet Ashlee, you meet a beautiful, vibrant, girl who is active in cheerleading and gymnastics at her high school, loves animals, especially dogs and cats and enjoys volunteering in her community through church and school. You would never guess that she has battled serious health conditions throughout her life, and now receives infusions every few weeks.

She’s a fighter.

Since birth, respiratory issues have challenged Ashlee. Before her 5th birthday, she’d already had sinus and ear infections, ear tubes, sinus surgery, her tonsils and adenoids removed, and was diagnosed with reflux and asthma. Ashlee was tested for a multitude of issues to try and determine why she continued to have so many infections.

In conjunction with her primary care physician, Dr. Anne Littleton, Nationwide Children’s Dr. Grace Ryu and other physicians decided to try Intravenous Immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG). Immunoglobulin is part of your blood’s plasma and has antibodies in it to fight germs or disease. When individuals donate blood, this part can be separated out and given to those who need it through a vein in the arm. IVIG can help strengthen the immune system to better fight infections and stay healthy.

Ashlee started getting IVIG infusions regularly, and they definitely helped. She now receives the treatment at home every 3-4 weeks, and rarely complains, her mother, Jodi says. This isn’t easy for an on-the-go teenage girl who is very involved in extracurricular activities.

Ashlee’s favorite and best subject in school is science. She’s interested in pursuing a career in health care and is considering becoming a doctor.

For Ashlee, being a Patient Champion for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon is an opportunity to give back in hopes of helping others.

“As her mom, she never ceases to amaze me – even during the more challenging years,” says Ashlee’s mother, Jodi.

No stranger to cheering people on and amping up a crowd, Ashlee will be encouraging all participants who come through her mile on race day; inspiring everyone she meets to be strong in the face of challenges.

https://flutter.nationwidechildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ashlee-marathon.jpg

• Name: Ashlee M.Ashlee Mascolino
• Condition(s): Asthma, Immune Deficiency, Migraine
• Age at Treatment: Birth
• Age Today: 12/02/200122 Years

When you meet Ashlee, you meet a beautiful, vibrant, girl who is active in cheerleading and gymnastics at her high school, loves animals, especially dogs and cats and enjoys volunteering in her community through church and school. You would never guess that she has battled serious health conditions throughout her life, and now receives infusions every few weeks.

She’s a fighter.

Since birth, respiratory issues have challenged Ashlee. Before her 5th birthday, she’d already had sinus and ear infections, ear tubes, sinus surgery, her tonsils and adenoids removed, and was diagnosed with reflux and asthma. Ashlee was tested for a multitude of issues to try and determine why she continued to have so many infections.

In conjunction with her primary care physician, Dr. Anne Littleton, Nationwide Children’s Dr. Grace Ryu and other physicians decided to try Intravenous Immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG). Immunoglobulin is part of your blood’s plasma and has antibodies in it to fight germs or disease. When individuals donate blood, this part can be separated out and given to those who need it through a vein in the arm. IVIG can help strengthen the immune system to better fight infections and stay healthy.

Ashlee started getting IVIG infusions regularly, and they definitely helped. She now receives the treatment at home every 3-4 weeks, and rarely complains, her mother, Jodi says. This isn’t easy for an on-the-go teenage girl who is very involved in extracurricular activities.

Ashlee’s favorite and best subject in school is science. She’s interested in pursuing a career in health care and is considering becoming a doctor.

For Ashlee, being a Patient Champion for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon is an opportunity to give back in hopes of helping others.

“As her mom, she never ceases to amaze me – even during the more challenging years,” says Ashlee’s mother, Jodi.

No stranger to cheering people on and amping up a crowd, Ashlee will be encouraging all participants who come through her mile on race day; inspiring everyone she meets to be strong in the face of challenges.