Ashley lives in Texas where she is a devoted mother to her  11-year-old son who was diagnosed with Bactrim–induced DRESS Syndrome in 2021. She holds an M.S. in Global Education with a concentration in Peace Education.

 

At the young age of 9, Ashley's son was treated for a rare Nocardia infection. He developed his first signs of DRESS after being treated with the antibiotic Bactrim for two weeks. He had textbook signs: fever of unknown origin, swollen lymph nodes (golf ball size), total body rash, facial edema, extremely sick, and elevated eosinophils and liver enzymes. It took a month for doctors to confirm the diagnosis after Ashley suspected DRESS, sought guidance from the DRESS Syndrome Foundation, and fought for her son's doctors to consider the condition—treatment involved six weeks of steroids and antibiotics for the underlying infection. Since recovery from DRESS, Ashley's son has experienced ongoing symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues, heartburn, rashes, and joint and spine pain. His left axillary lymph nodes required an excisional biopsy, which revealed no serious concerns. Also, his mobility and flexibility have been affected, resulting in a stiff gait. Ashley knows too well that it's not just the acute stage that is awful; DRESS keeps on giving, and it overflows into other parts of life for everyone involved. 

 

Ashley firmly believes that everyone needs an advocate in healthcare. She understands how important it is for this DRESS Patient Panel to exist for those currently affected and to drive future advancements in medical intervention for DRESS. 

 

In addition to her work as an ordained minister, Ashley is the Global Engagement Director at First Baptist Arlington, where she leads global partnerships and outreach initiatives. Her passion for advocating for displaced individuals led her to co-found Roshan Learning, which creates safe learning environments for refugees and asylum seekers. She also serves on the board of the DFW Asylum Seeker Housing Network. Her leadership has had a significant impact on these organizations.

 

Ashley's commitment to medical advocacy stems from her firsthand experience with her son's battle with DRESS Syndrome. Her journey fuels her determination to ensure families get the necessary support during medical crises.