Born with Erb’s Palsy, Built for Greatness: Ashton’s Story

When Ashton was born, his parents faced unexpected challenges.

A difficult delivery left him with a brachial plexus injury – nerve damage in his left shoulder that doctors initially thought might be a broken collarbone. The diagnosis of Erb's palsy came as a shock.

“We'd never even heard those words before,” his mother, Amanda, said. “All we knew was that our newborn might never have full use of his arm.”

When he was just a few months old, Ashton was referred to Shriners Children's Northern California, where specialists in the brachial plexus clinic gave the family answers and hope. For 70% to 80% of children, this condition will resolve within the first year of life if care begins within four weeks of birth.

“They explained everything so clearly – how the C5 and C6 nerves were affected, what therapy could do and what to expect long-term,” Amanda said. “For the first time, we felt like we weren't alone in this.”

A Foundation of Support

Shriners Children's became a second home for Ashton as he grew. Through years of occupational therapy and physical therapy, their team helped him regain strength and mobility in his affected arm.

“The therapists didn't just work with Ashton – they taught our whole family how to support his progress,” Amanda said.

The comprehensive care extended beyond medical treatment.

“From the financial assistance to the emotional support, Shriners Children's lifted so many burdens we didn't even know we were carrying,” she said.

Making Waves in Water Polo

Today, 15-year-old Ashton is proving every day that his early diagnosis doesn't define his potential. What began as swim team participation evolved into a passion for water polo when his mother suggested trying the sport when he was 12 years old.

“I loved being in the water, but swimming started feeling repetitive,” Ashton said. “Water polo gave me a new challenge.”

His dedication is undeniable, as he attends every practice, even when recovering from other injuries. That commitment paid off when he became the only player in his age group to earn a spot on the USA Water Polo national team as a goalie.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

“Shriners Children's gave us more than medical care – they gave us confidence,” Amanda said. “They showed us that with the right support, our son could achieve anything he set his mind to.”

For Ashton, his journey has been about focusing on possibilities rather than limitations.

“When we first heard 'brachial plexus injury,' we had no idea what the future held. Now we watch Ashton compete at the national level, and we're just so grateful,” Amanda said.