Dublin, Ohio

A family’s dedication to advocacy

  1. What’s your name?
    Greg and Ashley

  2. Where are you from?
    Dublin, Ohio

  3. How are you connected to ITP?
    Our oldest son Cade was diagnosed with Chronic ITP at the young age of 3. He’s now 10 and still battles ITP.

  4. How/Why did you get involved with PDSA?
    Why do you choose to stay involved? PDSA was a beacon of hope in our early months and years of Cade’s diagnosis.  The information and community was unparalleled to anything else offered at local clinics and hospitals.  We felt like it was our duty to advocate for our son the best way possible and raise money to support other families that are getting an ITP diagnosis for the first time. 

  5. What is your favorite part about volunteering for PDSA and spreading ITP Awareness?
    Our favorite part is meeting and educating people at our fundraiser each year.  A lot of people know it’s a blood disorder but most don’t understand exactly how it can physically and mentally affect the patients.

  6. How has PDSA impacted your healthy journey?
    PDSA has been at the forefront of publishing the latest and most up to date treatments and ongoing studies.  It has helped us develop a good understanding of all the options available to kids like Cade and what might be coming down the pipeline in the future.

  7. What do you do for school/work?
    Cade is in the 3rd grade and enjoys all his specials (music, art, library and p.e.)

  8. Share something unique about you and/or one of your favorite hobbies.
    Cade has been playing piano since kindergarten and while he would rather be playing any sport he has developed a love for music. 

  9. What can you be found doing on the weekends?
    On the weekends Cade can be found somewhere on a baseball field, basketball court or his favorite a golf course.  He loves all sports!

  10. What is one thing you’d share with a newly diagnosed patient? 
    To families with a newly diagnosis I would say just breathe.  You will be ok.  It is a long tough journey especially with a child but have faith that you have been given everything you need to be the best parent and advocate for your child.  Also find a good hematology team that will listen to all your concerns and questions and not think you are crazy for anything you may ask them.  Some of the best are in the US so don’t settle.  We consider ours like family. We’ve cried together, been angry together, frustrated when something doesn’t work and above all became strategic partners in our son’s treatments and care.