LOUISVILLE, Ky. — There are some gifts that can’t be wrapped. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ashton Sandifer is an 11-year-old travel softball player 

  • She was diagnosed with cancer in June

  • Ashton’s family hosted a blood drive in her name 

  • The donations will support oncology and hematology patients where she receives treatment

When it comes to cancer treatment, blood donations are one. 

11-year-old Ashton Sandifer went from spending most of her time in the ballpark to spending most of it in hospitals. 

“There’s been ups and downs and all that, but it’s been pretty good, as good as you know, it could be,” said Ashton. 

Ashton started to get winded playing softball in June. Her mom Lydia says that initially she was treated for allergies. A few days later, she was rushed back to the hospital when she had trouble swallowing. 

“As soon as they saw her before they even tested her anything they kind of already knew, so they started throwing out cancer,” said Lydia. Lydia says doctors found a tumor in Ashton’s chest and throat. She was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of cancer.

“As parents, you try to stay strong for your child and she’s definitely been strong for us,” said Ryan Sandifer, Ashton’s dad. “She’s handled it like a champion.”

Ashton completed the first four months of intense chemotherapy and received 10 blood transfusions. She will continue to need more blood over her two-year treatment. 

Her aunt hosted a blood drive through the Kentucky Blood Center in Ashton’s name. “It’s not all going to me. It goes to like, kids who don’t have cancer and they just have low blood all the time,” explained Ashton. 

The drive will support patients of UK DanceBlue Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, where Ashton receives treatments. 

“These drives are very important. They have to happen because the need for blood it never ends. It literally saves their life. I mean, if they don’t have it, I mean, they won’t make it,” said Ryan. 

There are not enough cookies or thank yous to show how much this family appreciates every donation and helping Ashton return to the ballpark. 

The family hopes to collect 100 blood donations through the drive. One pint of blood can save the lives of six children.

Donations can be made in Ashton’s name by stopping by any fixed Kentucky Blood Center through the end of the year. 

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