Ashton's Angels

Our Story

Ashton is our blind angel, born wth septo-optic dysplasia. When he was born he was admitted to the Newborn intensive care unit with hypoglycemia. This is one of the early signs of his condition, but we didn't know he was blind. He was having a hard time nursing and we didn't know why. He spent one week at the NICU but continued struggling with his blood surgar levels. At two months old we noticed he wasn't tracking toys like other babies do. We were referred to an ophtalmologist who did an MRI of his brain. When she got the results she called us and gave us the hardest news any parent could get. Our baby boy was blind since his optic nerve had never developed and there was no surgery or anything we could do to fix it.

Septo Optic Dysplasia happens 1 in 10,000 births and no one knows why. At 4 months old he was hospitalized on New Year's Eve because his blood sugar levels were extremely low. This time we were told he would need growth hormone injections as well as other hormone medications for the rest of his life. It was very hard at first giving injections to our baby every night. We had to learn how to take care of a baby who couldn't see the world the same way we did and also needed an injection everyday to survive. Many times we had to close our eyes and imagine what life would be like for us if we couldn't see.

We learned from all of his therapists that he would learn the most by hearing and touching things. He would use his hands and ears to see the world and we had to learn and understand how to help him. Looking back on his first year of life, it was very hard to find out all of his needs but we are so grateful for all the lessons he teaches everyone he meets. On December 1st 2016, he suffered a 20 minute seizure and luckily we had just arrived at the ER when it happened otherwise we wouldn't have been able to save his life. He was almost intubated since he wasn't breathing during the seizure but the respiratpry specialist and his team saved him and he was life flighted to Primary Children's. This was probably the hardest thing for us as his parents to watch him go through. He spent a few days in the ICU at Primary Children's and he began taking seizure medication. Luckily the seizure did not affect his brain since he got oxygen at the hospital and he was able to recover very well. However, now he also has emergency seizure medication as well as all his other medications.

He has touched so many lives and taught us about the most important things in life. He is the most determined and persistant little guy, he has learned how to ride an adaptive bike and he is starting to learn a few letters in braille. He is preparing to start kindergarten in the fall and knows most of the letter sounds now. We are so blessed to have him be part of our family and we hope that all our friends and family can join us and be part of his team at this year's Walk with Angels.

About The United Angels Foundation

United Angels Foundation (UAF) is a nonprofit, parent-to-parent support group for families of children with special needs (our Angels). Our goals at UAF consist of providing interaction, education, and resources to our parents. From newborn visits, to group activities for parents and children, we strive to be there every step of the way. Funds raised from our Walk with Angels event will specifically go towards financing our educational seminars and group activities. These funds are also used to administer our newborn and new member program. Thank you for your support of all the Angels in our community!

Highlight Video

Walk Day Schedule

June 1, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.
Margaret Wines Park 500 N Center Street, Lehi UT

9:30 a.m. Check In Begins
10:00 a.m. Performances by Advocacy Groups
10:30 a.m. Pre-Walk Ceremonies
11:00 a.m. Walk Begins!
11:30 a.m. Food Trucks & Mainstage Entertainment
12:15 p.m. Raffle Winners Announced
1:00 p.m. Event Concludes

Ongoing: Carnival games, raffle, photo booth, bounce houses, mascots, superheroes, princesses, and more!

**Silent Auction is online this year! Auction will go LIVE on Wednesday, May 29th and will close on Wednesday, June 5^th at midnight. Be sure to share the link with friends and family who want to support Utah’s special needs community**