a year ago, Ashley Escalante’s life changed in an instant.

At 9 years old, Ashley was the victim of a horrific hit-and-run, dragged for half a mile by a reckless driver. In the accident, she lost her left leg and suffered severe injuries to her right foot.

Ashley was rushed to Dayton Children’s, where emergency responders and trauma specialists worked quickly to stop the bleeding and stabilize her. She was in a coma for 10 days, spent the next 50 days in the hospital, and underwent more than 25 surgeries including amputating her foot. She was just beginning the long road to recovery.

What followed was an unimaginable journey, but also one marked by strength, resilience and hope.

Her family recalls that night as one of overwhelming fear and heartbreak, but they also remember the incredible compassion and professionalism of every doctor, nurse and therapist who cared for her. In their words, “everyone at the hospital made us feel like everything was going to be okay.”

A year later, Ashley’s strength still resonates throughout Dayton Children’s. She continues with regular therapy and has received her prosthesis—an important milestone as she adapts to a new normal. She will need more operations to help her continue healing, but her determination hasn’t wavered. She’s ready to get back to playing with her friends and learning in school and doing all the things a 10-year-old is supposed to be doing!