My daughter is autistic, and through her, I've learned what true strength, patience, and unconditional love look like.
We would like to thank you for supporting Ashley Barraza in this year's Super Mom competition. Your participation allows us to aid Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in their commitment to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
I love coming home to my daughter, she’s always happy to see me. That has never changed even though she is a preteen now. I love being her safe space, her best friend, she can always be her silly self with me, and that we always get through everything together.
What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?The most meaningful moment for me was taking my autistic daughter to an anime convention and out to eat at a restaurant. Since COVID she’s been isolated and hadn’t left the house in years. Progress has been extremely slow, I took a chance and got her tickets to something she truly loves. Even though she didn’t dress up, she made it there with a lot of breaks and she even managed to join me for a meal out. It may seem small to others, but to me it meant everything.
What would you do with $20,000?First I would take care of a couple of bills that are overwhelming me. That would bring me such relief. I would use most of the money for my daughter’s education, and therapies. I’d feel so happy being able to support her in ways I can’t! I would save some money for my own medical needs like Dr appointments and my medications, because taking care of myself is part of taking care of her. Then I would save some money for another fun moment out in the world when my daughter is ready for it.
