12-03-2025
Remarkable Women: ‘Love from Liam' Foundation helps families feel supported
DUNCANSVILLE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Ashlyn Dugan always sees the good in everything, especially when she found out she was pregnant with her first child.
'When I found out that I was pregnant with Liam, at my anatomy scan, the doctors here had no idea what he had. And they told us to terminate Liam, so that was hard as a 21-year-old young mom, your first time pregnancy, and you're like, oh, my gosh,' Dugan said.
Ashlyn wanted Liam to have a fair shot at life, so she got a second opinion despite the doctors' recommendation.
'They referred us to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We did many tests, like MRIs, bloodwork, and sonogram. We're just waiting to see what the outcome was for this baby. And I remember coming in the room, and she came in and she said, your son will be perfect. Your son will walk, your son will talk, your son will be a big light in the world. And that he is. He is five, going to be six now. Yes, he's had some challenges. But he's doing awesome today,' Ashlyn said.
Remarkable Women: Cindy Kolarik with the Jared Box Project
Liam was diagnosed with Spina Bifida, a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect, according to the CDC.
Ashlyn had no knowledge, and few resources surrounding the condition. However, to never let other parents feel alone, she started Love From Liam, a non-profit organization that provides resources and equipment to children with spina bifida.
'I have made my pain, my purpose. And so the pain that I went through, with having Liam, I have made it my purpose and my desire to change the view of spinal bifida. And it isn't a death sentence. It is much more than that,' Ashlyn said.
Her positive attitude also extends to her community, where she and her husband opened a coffee shop, Coffee On 3rd, almost three years ago.
'Ashlyn is extremely laid back. She's calm, collected all the time. Nothing is a stupid question with her. She's always there with a helping hand. So it's nice to have someone that you know that you can go to for anything,' Mikaila Leaper, an employee at the coffee shop said.
The person who highlighted Ashlyn's story also spoke about the impact that she has.
'I could go on about her accomplishments, but what is most astounding about them, is that she does it without wanting praise or recognition. Ashlyn brings people together, includes them, makes others feel seen and heard, helps them financially without ever showcasing it, and supports local businesses, all while upholding her family and continuously giving the Glory to God,' Veronica Hoover, Ashlyn's cousin-in-law said.
As for Liam, having Spina Bifida doesn't make his family look at him any differently. In fact, he's the perfect big brother to Ashlyn's second child, Lawson.
'We treat him like a normal little boy and that he is, and the challenges that we go through, we just make sure to make it a point that, yes, it sucks that you have to go through this, but just like a kid has to wear glasses, you will have to wear braces or things like that. So we make it very normal for him. And ever since we have done that, he is thriving,' Ashlyn said.
In September, Liam will be going to the first grade.
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