When Ashley R. welcomed her son Milo into the world, nothing went as planned. Born three months early and weighing just over a pound, Milo spent the first eight months of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit. He underwent multiple surgeries and faced ongoing challenges with his lungs, intestines and vision. Caring for him became Ashley’s full-time job and she stepped away from her career as a science teacher to be by his side. The financial stress was heavy, but the emotional strain was even greater.
At Milo’s routine well-child visits, Ashley found something unexpected: someone who asked not just about Milo’s progress, but about how she was doing. That someone was a HealthySteps Specialist embedded in the pediatric practice. By checking in regularly, connecting Ashley to resources, and simply listening, HealthySteps gave her support she hadn’t realized she needed. “I don’t have to bear it all alone,” she says.
“The relationship lasted two years. Sara (HealthySteps Specialist) was able to connect me to local resources that helped provide food, clothes and other household goods for my family. We were running out of these much needed items before the end of each month prior to being connected to these resources.
She also reconnected me with the family support network. Through that, I was able to connect with a parent group specifically for parents of medically complex children. It has been wonderful to be able to have that kind of physical support from a circle who knows exactly what you’re going through.”
The experience was powerful enough that Ashley chose to share her story with others. Today, she serves as a HealthySteps Family Advisor, helping guide the program at a national level. In that role, she brings the voice of lived experience to the table, ensuring the program continues to meet families where they are.
“While this story is unique to my family, there are so many families out there with stories just like mine. Connecting with HealthySteps has been an invaluable experience. I walked in with no knowledge of the program and walked out with resources, support and care I didn’t even know were available. My only hope is that as many families as possible have the opportunity to be introduced to this wonderful program.”
Ashley’s journey reflects what HealthySteps strives to do for families every day: provide practical help, compassionate listening, expert guidance and a steady presence during the most critical early years of a child’s life.
