In Support of The Gicante Family

UPDATE 8/9:
We wanted to provide an update on Ashley.  Today is Day 11 in the ICU and Ashley is showing more and more improvement each day. We are so grateful for all of you that have reached out to us, prayed for our family and continue to keep us in your thoughts as we navigate through every parents worst nightmare.  But your support and her progress have been amazing. 

Ash had a follow up CT scan on Thursday. The neurosurgeon who performed her surgery, Dr. Elbabaa, said the scan looked good, he just saw some swelling in the brain which is normal for this type of surgery. Ash has also had 2 drains in her head from this surgery…the first one was removed on Thursday bc clots were keeping it from draining properly and tonight the second cranial drain was removed which is so awesome!! 

On Monday/tomorrow, Ashley will get transported to a neighboring adult hospital (ORMC hospital) that is close to where she is now at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital so that she can get a cerebral angiogram that will road map the blood vessels in her brain to help ensure there are no other blood vessel malformations / concerns with her brain.  That scan will tell if another surgery is needed or if the initial surgery stopped all the bleeding.  If no surgery is needed, then we will likely get discharged from the Pediatric ICU unit and Ashley will continue with therapy. 

Pretty much all the doctors and nurses who have come into our room have been amazed at her progress. Her left side has been more mobile/feisty…almost having to wrestle her down a few times especially when she had the breathing tube in. We are starting to see a little more movement from her right side which is promising.  The neurosurgeon said speech will take time.  The brain bleed occurred on the left side of her brain and that controls language, right side movement, processing, etc. so we take it day by day and are just in awe of Ashley defying the odds.  

Ashley did get the biggest smile on her face the other day when Brooke gave her Cora…Ashley’s favorite stuffed animal Corgi. Her reaction was awesome…Brooke made her day. I think Cora has meant just as much to Brooke this week as it does to Ashley. 

And after 4 missed flights starting Thursday night bc of storms and some air traffic control issues that canceled lots of Midwest flights, including a connecting flight that meant an overnight near Baltimore/Washington airport, Brooke and Jacob and my parents finally made it home Saturday.  And, bc you just can’t make this stuff up, I was really stressed on Friday bc of everything with Ashley, family trying to get back home, cancelled flights, etc, but Pete and I did get a good laugh when the kids texted late at night telling us what they had just gone through in their hotel room in Baltimore. Brooke went to the bathroom and shut the door. When she tried to exit the bathroom, the door wouldn’t open. She was trapped in their hotel bathroom. It was late, the hotel said maintenance wasn’t on staff at that hour so they could do whatever they wanted to get the door open.  So Jacob to the rescue.  He spent about 5-10 minutes busting down the door to get the bathroom open for Brooke.  It’s been a few years since our family has taken a bigger trip like this and this vacation has definitely been one for the books.  Gotta find humor in some of the moments and just pray and roll with the punches…but at the end of the day….we are thrilled for every little milestone and hurdle that Ashley has overcome and just thankful that she is defying the odds and is still with us today and even showing us sides of her spunky little personality!  Thanks again for all the love and support from everyone!  We are forever grateful.

UPDATE 8/4:

Ashley has made some encouraging progress over the last 36 hours. She has officially made it through the critical period of brain swelling, which is a huge milestone. There is still some swelling, but it is normal after a surgery like this.

She is moving her left side, though movement on her right is still very limited. Ashley is now making good eye contact. Although she is not communicating verbally at this time, she is finding other ways - including squeezing with her hand. Ashley’s mom, Carrie, said it best: “Ashley is still fighting hard, and in true Ashley fashion, she is keeping us on our toes. It’s a part of her charm and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Every small step is a victory, and we’re grateful for each one.”

Yesterday, the medical team was able to remove her breathing tube and catheter. Ashley did a great job maintaining her oxygen levels overnight, and today they were able to remove one of her external ventricular drains. 

Ashley’s brother, Jacob, was doing the brotherly thing and making a joke with her - because that’s what brothers do. Pete turned to Ashley and jokingly said, “It’s okay Ashley, you can flip off your brother for teasing you.” The next thing you know, Ashley gave a little smile and the bird was flying in the ICU. Everyone broke out in laughter. She chose to start communicating on her terms. 

The family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support Ashley has received. The prayers, donations, and kindness from so many people have carried them through these difficult days. They feel every bit of the love surrounding Ashley and are so thankful to everyone who continues to stand beside her as she fights her way forward. Please continue to keep Ashley in your thoughts and prayers. Every day brings new hope. 

First, we want to say THANK YOU. Because of your incredible generosity, we have reached our original goal of $25,000. We are truly overwhelmed by the love and support this community has shown Ashley and her family. Every donation, prayer, kind message, and share has meant so much during this difficult time.

While the goal was reached, we’ve decided to keep the donation page open for anyone who still would like to donate. Your continued support and prayers are appreciated. 

Ashley is holding steady today. Her neurologist shared that everything is progressing as well as can be expected at this stage. The medical team is watching closely with swelling of her brain due to surgery. The team remains focused on getting her safely through this critical period, keeping her comfortable, calm, and allowing her body the best chance to heal. 

This morning, Ashley gave everyone a little glimpse of her fighting spirit. As nurses were caring for her, she began moving her left arm and tried to kick with her left foot. Seeing that feisty side of Ashley was an encouraging sign. 

Please continue to keep Ashley, and her parents, siblings, and entire family in your thoughts and prayers. Your encouragement, generosity, and support continue to give them strength and hope during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for standing with them every step of the way.

Support for Ashley’s Family: 18 Hours From Home

Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your urgent support for our dear friends, Pete & Carrie Gicante and their precious daughter, Ashley. 

What was supposed to be a fun family vacation turned into every parent’s worst nightmare. While on a family vacation in Florida, Ashley, a junior at St. James Academy and a beloved Prince of Peace Catholic School alumna, suffered a medical emergency. She was rushed to the nearby hospital and then life flighted to a children’s hospital, where doctors discovered she had a brain bleed. She has undergone emergency surgery and remains in critical condition.

Ashley is currently fighting hard in the ICU, receiving specialized, round-the-clock care. While Pete, Carrie, and their children are exactly where they need to be-right by Ashley’s bedside- they are facing overwhelming uncertainty far from home.

The Gicante family is always among the first to step up and help others. Their generosity, kindness, and unwavering support have touched so many lives through the years. Now, we will surround them with the same love and compassion they have so freely given to others. 

As they focus entirely on Ashley, they are also facing significant expenses, including medical bills, travel, lodging, meals, and other costs that come with a medical crisis away from home. 

If you are able to donate, any amount will directly ease the immense pressure on this family. If you are unable to give, we ask that you share this and continue to pray for Ashley, her family, and her medical team. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and love for Ashley. Together, we can remind the Gicante family they are not walking this journey alone.