Contributed Ashley Del Toro, 17, models shoes from the movie "Forrest Gump" at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Bloomington, Minn. Ashley is fighting cancer. The trip to The Mall of America in June was made possible by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

WEST LAFAYETTE -- Earlier this year a teenage girl's dreams came true when she visited The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn.

Ashley Del Toro's wish was granted by Make-A-Wish Coshocton County Chapter.

The 17-year-old was diagnosed with a non-aggressive brain tumor in May of 2003.

Since then she has undergone two surgeries, radiation treatments and months of chemotherapy. By March of this year doctors felt the results of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed the tumor had stopped growing, and Ashley was in remission.

In August, she began having flashes of pain in her face, which could be eased with acetaminophen. An MRI showed no change in the tumor.

By the end of September, she was having severe headaches and nausea and was admitted to Children's Hospital. After a week of pain that couldn't be eased by anything, even morphine, another MRI was done.

"The tumor has spread. It's in her spinal fluid now and the base of her brain," said Laura Brown, Ashley's mother.

Doctors presented two alternatives for treatment. Ashley could have intravenous chemotherapy or have spinal fluid drained and a reservoir made for chemotherapy.

"The chances of success are very, very slim," Brown said.

Brown and Ashley decided to have a reservoir made, but then chose not to have the treatment.

"It kills the cancer cells and the good cells," Brown said. "Ashley and I couldn't see doing it again if it's not going to help her live," Brown said.

Previous chemotherapy made her nauseous, weak and she lost her hair.

Hospice/Homecare is now helping Brown care for Ashley, but she hasn't given up hope.

In November, Brown began taking Ashley to Akron to see a naturopathic doctor. A naturopathic doctor uses naturally based remedies.

Ashley is receiving massive intravenous doses of vitamin C, and orally taking other natural supplements to try and build up her immune system, Brown said.

"Your immune system can fight off a lot of things if it's healthy," she said.

The cost for this type of treatment isn't covered by insurance. Even if it was, Brown was one of hundreds of Longaberger Co. employees laid off in September.

Ashley's family is making an appeal for help to defray the expense of natural treatments and the cost of frequent trips to Akron. Brown has set up an account at Ohio Heritage Bank for anyone who'd like to contribute.

Meanwhile, Brown and Ashley are seeking strength from another source.

"Ashley is a courageous young woman of faith," said Larry Armentrout, senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church.

Ashley became active in the church about two years ago.

"She's very committed and attends when she's able," he said.

He advises Ashley and her mother to take one day at a time, and not to be afraid to talk honestly with God.

"In times of crisis like this very serious illness, it's good not only to express faith in God, but also fears and anxieties. Talk with God and be honest with him. He's big enough to deal with it."

Keeping in contact with others and accepting help also is important, not just for Ashley, but her mother, he said.

"It's hard," Brown said. "If I didn't have God I'd probably be falling apart right now."

Originally published Wednesday, December 1, 2004