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.