A haunted house in Davidson County has began collecting donations for a young mom, who has been diagnosed with ALS after having her youngest child.
An afternoon in the play room of a friend's house has become a normal day for the Vickers' family, and chasing their youngest, Knoxx, is a favorite past time.
However, Ashley Vickers' life changed the day Knoxx came into this world.
"The day he was born I woke up and I couldn't move my arm," she explained.
Still in the hospital, Ashley's symptoms became worse. She visited multiple neurologists and was diagnosed with ALS.
Day by day, the disease attacked the mother of four's nervous system. "My speech, obviously. My hands, they don't move, not very good. Then walking is hard," Ashley said.
Just two weeks ago, while at a doctors appointment, Ashley fell and broke her knee. Getting around has become a very difficult task. No longer able to care for her son or herself, she has to rely on her family and friends like Stephanie and John Dillard.
"I try not to let her see but it breaks my heart because every time I'm over, there's some little something that's happened that I can tell that's already changed from the last time I've seen her," Stephanie Dillard said.
A haunted house behind their home has normally been free for the neighborhood, but this year it has taken on a new meaning. Any donations they get will go towards ALS research and Ashley's fight to survive.
"She is a fighter for sure," said Dillard.
Next month Ashley will travel to Russia to receive stem cell treatment. It'll cost her family about $50,000. "I'm excited," said Ashley.
There is no cure for ALS but Ashley will not lose hope. She knows she may not get better but she doesn't want to get worse. For her, tomorrow is not promised. "I don't think about it, I live in the moment," Ashley said.
The Dillard's haunted house is located on Tyne Blvd in Old Hickory. It will be open every Friday and Saturday through Halloween. A benefit hosted by the St. Stephen Catholic Community to raise money for Ashley's trip to Russia is also scheduled for October, 23 at 6:30. For more information click here to email the organizer.
You can also visit a GoFundMe page to donate by clicking here.
