Stories

This blog is guest written by Miriam Smith.

Meet Asha. You've probably seen her around. By this time, you are saying to yourself, I'm sure I have never seen Asha. But you have.

Asha represents the thousands of individuals with disabilities that reside in the Nebraska area. Through no fault of their own, they require the assistance and care from others. Here's Asha's story.

Asha was born with a condition called cavernous malformation which causes lesions to form in the mid-brain. Surgical procedures that she went through left her with both hearing and vision impairments. In 2013, lesions formed and left her wheelchair-bound. On December 27, 2018, Asha passed away at the age of 25.

I don't want to leave you thinking that Asha was her illness. Not by any means. Asha was a typical child, youth, teen and young adult. She was witty. I chose that word because she was very smart, challenging, and playful. Her passion was children and animals. A career in pediatrics or as a veterinarian was her dream. It didn't happen.

Asha's House is her mother, Sharon's dream. It represents four elements that the Asha of the world are missing. They are defined as follows:

Community - a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing.

Adventure - an unusual and exciting experience.

Learning - acquire new skills, knowledge and understanding. An opportunity for personal and professional growth known to result in a person feeling happier and more fulfilled while helping to maintain stronger cognitive functioning.

Relationship - linked by a person, thing or idea. 

Lastly, Asha's House support the families and caregivers by providing a safe place for their loved one giving them time for badly needed self-care.

Asha's House offers these elements in small chunks/bites with up to seven days of respite and retreat. 

Please remember the Asha's of Nebraska by supporting Asha's House with your giving. 

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