"Ashley the Pillow Angel"

In 2006, one family had to make a tough decision that had to do with their “pillow angel.” The term “pillow angel” is what this family refers to their 10 year old daughter who was born with brain damage and suffers from CP.

In 2006, the family consulted with Dr. Daniel Gunther at The Children’s Hospital in Washington to see what they were able to do so that it would be easier to take care of Ashley as she gets older. Ashley’s parents and doctors thought that it would be best if they did an operation that would stop her from growing. In the operation the doctors removed Ashley’s breast buds and gave her a high dose of estrogen to stop growth and sexual maturation, along with a hysterectomy.

The surgery is illegal to be preformed. However, the parents and the doctors involved were pleased with the out come. Since the operation Dr. Gunther has committed suicide. There is no connection between performing the operation and the suicide.

The surgery went well with no complications. Since the operation, Ashley has stayed at the same weight and height. She weighs 63 pounds at the height of 4 feet 5 inches. Ashley will remain this size for the rest of her life. The reason that this is good and helpful is that it will be easier for her parents and future caregivers to do what is needed throughout the day of caring for her.

Ashley’s parents find it easier and more comforting that with the years to come that they will still be able to take care of Ashley. They are glad that as she gets older she will not get bigger so that they will be able to cuddle and hold her in their arms and it will be easier for them to take care of her at that size than if she was to grow her full height.

I don’t know how any one can judge these parents for what they did. It had to be the hardest decision that they have been faced with. I think that this surgery should be allowed for other families to consider if they have a child that suffers like Ashley does. In the long run Ashley will be able to get all the care that she needs as she will be small enough where it will not be to hard for others to care for her.