Sydney Mason is a committee member on the 2019 Public Relations Committee.
From a young age, Ashlynn Hill has been in and out of the hospital with several chronic illnesses. When she was just two, the Hill family became extremely involved with CFTK, and they continue to support CFTK by spreading awareness about the organization. Recently, CFTK spoke with Jessica Hill, Ashlynn’s mother, about what it really means for them to receive assistance from CFTK and then turn around and give it right back, even when they have a child in the hospital.
The Hill family’s story begins back when Ashlynn was one, and her family was first experiencing some of the impacts of their situation. Looking back now, Hill remembers what this was like.
“When Ashlynn got sick I had to stay home, and we lost everything, our house, everything, and we had to start from ground zero and work our way up.”
In addition to dealing with the financial struggles that come with repeated hospital visits and chronic medical care, the bigger struggle was the unbelievable emotional toll. Ashlynn is both a daughter and a sister, and her family has been her support system from the very beginning.
They first became involved in the fundraising aspect of child healthcare with the radiothon a few years ago where they helped fundraise. Since then, they have been incredibly active in fundraising and volunteering efforts with CFTK. Both Ashlynn and her sister are co-captains at the UNC Dance Marathon.
From a young age, Ashlynn Hill has been in and out of the hospital with several chronic illnesses. When she was just two, the Hill family became extremely involved with CFTK, and they continue to support CFTK by spreading awareness about the organization. Recently, CFTK spoke with Jessica Hill, Ashlynn’s mother, about what it really means for them to receive assistance from CFTK and then turn around and give it right back, even when they have a child in the hospital.
The Hill family’s story begins back when Ashlynn was one, and her family was first experiencing some of the impacts of their situation. Looking back now, Hill remembers what this was like.
“When Ashlynn got sick I had to stay home, and we lost everything, our house, everything, and we had to start from ground zero and work our way up.”
In addition to dealing with the financial struggles that come with repeated hospital visits and chronic medical care, the bigger struggle was the unbelievable emotional toll. Ashlynn is both a daughter and a sister, and her family has been her support system from the very beginning.
They first became involved in the fundraising aspect of child healthcare with the radiothon a few years ago where they helped fundraise. Since then, they have been incredibly active in fundraising and volunteering efforts with CFTK. Both Ashlynn and her sister are co-captains at the UNC Dance Marathon.
The Hill family’s desire to help and support CFTK stemmed from multiple experiences. “My desire is to not only help CFTK raise money to help other kids, because we’ve been in their shoes and we’ve been in the family’s shoes and we still are… we understand the importance of a hot meal and help with rent,” said Mrs. Hill. “If we can help in any way by using her experiences… (we want people) to really see that their efforts are being used for a great cause.”
While fundraising is integral to CFTK’s mission, it’s not just about the money when your own child is the one in and out of the hospital. Whether it’s a hot meal, help with rent, or a meaningful card, it means more than may meet the eye. Mrs. Hill urges people to truly know the impact they can have with these seemingly simple gestures.
With the UNC Dance Marathon and our One Day Campaign quickly approaching, fundraising is kicking into high gear. However, it’s important not to lose sight of what its true meaning. Mrs. Hill challenges people to not just commit to this year, but to commit as much as they can. While people may only see one side of CFTK, Mrs. Hill expressed the true impact and difference that CFTK has had on their family:
“All those moments, that if we didn’t have this foundation we wouldn’t ever experience… it’s love that’s expressed to complete strangers.”
While fundraising is integral to CFTK’s mission, it’s not just about the money when your own child is the one in and out of the hospital. Whether it’s a hot meal, help with rent, or a meaningful card, it means more than may meet the eye. Mrs. Hill urges people to truly know the impact they can have with these seemingly simple gestures.
With the UNC Dance Marathon and our One Day Campaign quickly approaching, fundraising is kicking into high gear. However, it’s important not to lose sight of what its true meaning. Mrs. Hill challenges people to not just commit to this year, but to commit as much as they can. While people may only see one side of CFTK, Mrs. Hill expressed the true impact and difference that CFTK has had on their family:
“All those moments, that if we didn’t have this foundation we wouldn’t ever experience… it’s love that’s expressed to complete strangers.”