Ashley Moulder - Fall 2007

My name is Ashley Danielle Moulder. I am 19 years old and live in Mesquite, Texas, with my grandparents Joan and Terry Moulder. I graduated from North Mesquite High School last May.

I will train on the job at a photography studio to learn how to become a photographer. It's my passion to take pictures, and I want to make it a career. I am really excited about starting sometime this summer.

I have Nager Syndrome. When I was born, they had to rotate my index fingers into thumbs on each hand, which means I only have four fingers. I have short arms too. I used to have a feeding tube and a tracheotomy, but I got those taken out. I'm hard of hearing and have to wear a hearing-aid, and I also have a speech impediment.

I don't care what people say about me. I am who God wants me to be. If they don't like it, then so be it. Although I had a lot of fun this year, I also underwent surgery. I recently completed phase one of four craniofacial surgeries. It was a very long and difficult process.

I've had over 25 surgeries, mostly done by Dr. Fearon at Medical City Children’s Hospital. Most of them were on my upper body (face, hands, stomach).

I would call myself a miracle baby, only because after everything that I have been through in my life, I've stayed strong for myself and also for my friends and family. They are my support team, and I love every one of them!

In 1997, I met Cher when she was at Planet Hollywood in Dallas, and I appeared in the newspaper with her. Her movie, Mask, inspired me greatly because it really showed her love and kindness for the kids in CCA.

In my spare time, I love to hang out with my friends and family, drive around, talk on the phone, get on the computer, sing, listen to music, take pictures and just enjoy myself. I have never been to any of the CCA retreats, but I'd love to go to one someday.

And here’s my advice to CCA kids: Just be a kid and don't worry about what others do or say about you. You all are beautiful inside and out. Live to the fullest. And mistakes are OK, because they give you chances to learn!

If you would like to share your story with CCA, please send an email to Annie Reeves at areeves@ccakids.com. If your story is chosen, with your permission, we will edit and publish it in the CCA newsletter, on the Web site or use it for public awareness programs. Not all stories will be selected.

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