Thank you for visiting AshleyConstantino.com. 

We have created this site to keep our friends and family informed.  Ashley was diagnosed with a Stage 3 Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor in September 2008, shortly after her 2nd Birthday.  Rhabdoid Tumors are rare, but very aggressive.  Within a matter of a few short weeks, Ashley went from being a seemingly healthy, happy child to losing full mobility in her arms and legs.   Before we even had biopsy results, the neurosurgery team at Children’s Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Chicago decided that it was imperative to operate on her.  The tumor was invading her spinal cord in such a way that it was threatening to paralyze her.  At that time a full resection was not possible. However, Ashley began receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments with the goal of reducing the size of the tumor to a point where surgical removal was an option. On February 6, 2009 the remaining tumor was resected by Dr. John Maddalozzo and Dr. Tord Alden.  Ashley will continue with her treatment protocol through November 2009.  The chemo and radiation she is receiving are intended to rid her body of any microscopic cancer cells that remain and help prevent a future relapse.   Ashley has also been working with a team of therapists (occupational, physical, developmental, and speech) to regain what she lost.   She has already begun making great strides in her development.   

We thank you for visiting our site and for your continued prayers.   When Ashley was first diagnosed, we were told that the chances of her surviving until her 3rd birthday were between 5 – 7 % . However, knowing that there were so many of you who loved her and were praying for her, so many of you who were willing to be in the “fight” with us … gave us every reason to BELIEVE!