Ashley Anderson

Ashley had been diagnosed with AML (Acute Mylegenous Leukemia) on February 24, 2006 after feeling extremely tired for three weeks following a virus. Doctors immediately began chemotherapy to try to put Ashley into remission.  After five weeks in the hospital, her bone marrow biopsy revealed that the chemotherapy was only partially effective and doctors said that Ashley would need a bone marrow transplant to survive.

But before she began her bone marrow transplant, Ashley had her chance to star in a TV spot that would be broadcast nationally during the Aflac All American High School Baseball Classic.

Filming took place in July. The weather was typical for Atlanta – Hot! By the time Ashley arrived to film her part, the mercury had soared above 90 degrees. She had just finished a round of chemotherapy.

The public service announcement showed Ashley at the plate during a baseball game. Ashley had never played baseball, but she jumped at the chance to take a swing the ball. Although the script called for her to miss the ball, she surprised everyone by hitting virtually every ball thrown to her. She withstood the heat and the many takes to give a fantastic performance.

The following week, Ashley was admitted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to prepare her for her bone marrow transplant.  As Ashley’s parents and younger sister were not suitable donors, doctors were forced to use stem cells from cord blood of an unrelated donor.

Ashley went through nine weeks of inpatient chemotherapy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, finally reducing reduced her leukemia to an acceptable level for transplant.  On August 1, 2006, doctors began her transplant.  Even though the transplant was successful and her new white cells showed no signs of leukemia, Ashley was in ICU for two and a half months due to complications from Graft vs. Host disease (resulting from an unrelated donor).  She also suffered at least three brain bleeds which led to three brain surgeries.

She lost her courageous battle on November 17, 2006.

Ashley’s family and friends rallied to raise money for AML research. Their donations made to Curing Kids Cancer in memory of Ashley exceeded $25,000.  Almost a year later, Curing Kids’ Cancer awarded these funds to Dr. David Sweetser, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics for Harvard Medical School and Assistant Pediatrician at Massachusetts General Hospital, for his work in finding the causes of AML.

“Curing Kids Cancer has given us a positive place to focus our determination to find cures for pediatric cancer,” said Ashley’s mother Gretchen Anderson. “If effective medications were available, our children would not be forced to endure bone marrow transplants and their potentially fatal complications.”

Ashley has been remembered in other ways by her friends. Her fellow girl scouts built a beautiful garden at her elementary school in her memory.  She had blonde hair, sparkling hazel eyes, and a huge smile.  She was like the energizer bunny...full of energy.  She loved playing pranks, watching Animal Planet, and playing soccer or any other outdoor activity.  Ashley never slowed down, not even when going through months of treatment in the hospital.

“Ashley’s incredible strength, courage and determination are an inspiration to all,” said Gretchen. “She has made a profound impact on the lives of others…many of whom we have never met.  Her beauty, intelligence and sweet spirit will always be cherished by those who knew and loved her.  We will always remember her incredible smile, abundant energy, and terrific hugs. We love and miss you Ashley."