Supporting Parents and Families of Individuals with Special Needs
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June 1 @ 9: 30 a.m.
Margaret Wines Park 500 N Center Street, Lehi UT
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Raised So Far

$1,000

Our Goal
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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 sugar 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 because 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. Two year’s ago he had a 20 minute seizure and it was the hardest and most traumatic experience we had ever been through as his parents. Luckily, he was quickly life flighted to Primary Children’s hospital and after a few days in the ICU he was able to recover.

 

Raising Ashton we’ve had to learn how to take care of a child who couldn't see the world the same way we did and also needed medications 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. He has touched so many lives and taught us about the most important things in life. He is the most determined and persistent little guy, he has learned how to ride an adaptive bike and he now knows all the  letters in braille. He has also developed amazing talents in the last year and sings with the most beautiful voice. He is part of a Children’s Choir and loves performing infront of lots of people. His biggest dream is to become a writer when he grows up and write books about his life. 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 5th at midnight. Be sure to share the link with friends and family who want to support Utah’s special needs community**

Team Members