Meet Ashton
Born with a rare and aggressive cancer, Ashton began fighting for his life at just five days old. After months of intensive treatment and a bone marrow transplant, he’s now a thriving four-year-old.
He is our inspiration. He is what keeps us going. To see someone so tiny commence the treatment he did and keep on fighting just shows how determined and resilient he is.
Ashton's mum Natasha
A little fighter with a big future
Natasha and Nathan had always dreamed of the moment they’d bring their newborn son home, and their family of three could become four. Like many parents, they imagined quiet cuddles, sleepless nights, and the beautiful chaos of adjusting to life with another baby. But from the moment Ashton arrived, they knew something wasn’t right.
Born with severe bruising and lesions, Ashton was rushed to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead by the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS). It was there that his parents, Natasha and Nathan, learned their precious baby boy was fighting for his life before he’d even had a chance to begin it.
At just five days old, Ashton was diagnosed with Congenital Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) – a rare and aggressive blood cancer that affects only one in five million babies. What was meant to be a joyful time for the family quickly became their worst nightmare.
“I was too scared to look at him, to touch him. I was scared he wouldn’t make it,” said Natasha.
For four long months, Ashton underwent intensive chemotherapy. Every day was a battle – his tiny body enduring more than most adults ever would. Yet through it all, he showed an unbreakable spirit.
Ashton entered remission and was able to go home. The family were overjoyed, thinking they had weathered the storm. But after three wonderful months at home, the family received another devastating blow – Ashton had relapsed.
“You know, we thought the initial diagnosis was hard. But a relapse diagnosis is so much harder,” recalled Natasha.
Ashton would need another round of intensive treatment – this time, even more complex. Over seven months, he endured more chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant from a selfless donor who gave Ashton a second chance at life.
After over 300 days in hospital, Ashton was declared cancer-free.
I was too scared to look at him, to touch him. I was scared he wouldn’t make it.
Ashton's mum Natasha
No child should have to go through this, but those who do deserve our all.
Today, Ashton is four years old – and thriving.
He’s started preschool, received his acceptance letter for kindergarten, made friends, and fills every room with laughter and mischief. He loves reading books, building Duplo, watching Bluey, and kicking a footy just like his big brother Levi. He’s even stepped into the role of proud big brother to baby Hendrix.
“Ashton may not remember everything he went through, but his fighting spirit is always there – in his eyes, his actions, his smile.”
Ashton is not just learning to be a big brother. He’s also tackling milestones many feared he might never reach – he’s walking, running, talking, and even climbing into mum and dad’s bed for cuddles in the early hours.
His parents say their greatest hope now is for Ashton to just be a child.
“To go to the park and let him run wild. To be included, not secluded. To be one family, under one roof, eating dinner together, reading stories, and kicking a footy. It’s the little things that mean the most.”
Ashton’s journey has not been easy, but his progress and fighting spirit is remarkable.
“To see where he was and where he is now – it’s overwhelming. There are no words to express how proud we are of him.”
And to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation donors who make life-saving treatment and support possible, Natasha and Nathan have one simple but powerful message:
“No matter how many times we say thank you, it will never feel like enough. Because of you, Ashton is here. Because of you, he’s alive and living his best life.”
They know there are many families who never got to bring their children home.
“As parents, we carry survivors’ guilt. We think of the families we met whose children didn’t make it. That’s why we share our story. To raise awareness. To fund better treatments. To bring hope.”
Their message for parents battling through it right now was powerful: “No one fights alone. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help. Speak to other parents on the ward. Your mental health matters too. This journey is long, and it’s hard – but you are not alone.”
Every day, families like Ashton’s walk through the doors of the hospitals, facing the unimaginable. But with your help, we can fund vital research, game changing treatments, and support services that give children like Ashton a fighting chance.
Together, we can change the future for sick kids like Ashton.
