Ashlyn’s Story

Dr. Izabela Tarasiewicz and Ashlyn smiling during and clinic visit while they both throw peace signs at the camera.

Earlier this year, Ashlyn Rivera got into an accident that was so severe she had to be airlifted from her home in Laredo to UHS, where she was rushed into surgery. During her stay, Izabela Tarasiewicz, M.D., and the team at the Department of Neurosurgery performed four major life-saving surgeries. Ashlyn stayed in the pediatric ICU for months under the supervision of the pediatric neurocritical care team. Her mother talked to us about what that like:
“They told us that we were very close to her brain shutting down completely and losing her. In the ICU I never left her side. This experience was life-changing for me.” Dr. Tarasiewicz told us that Ashlyn’s recovery was “truly miraculous.”

We got to speak with Ashlyn during a recent follow-up and she is very enthusiastic about her progress. “I can do a lot on my own: Run, get food and water for myself, wash the dishes. I’m able to text again. I was even able to go to a concert. I am hoping to play soccer again soon too.”

Article Categories: News, Patient Stories