Welcome to Ashley's Clinic
In Sierra Leone, many children face life-threatening yet preventable health challenges that make daily life, especially attending school which is extremely difficult without proper medical care. Some of the most common diseases affecting the youth in Sierra Leone include malaria, diarrheal diseases, typhoid, and respiratory illnesses. Ashley’s Clinic stands as a powerful and effective treatment for these issues.
Ashley’s Clinic was established in memory of our daughter, Ashley. There are now two sites, one in a converted storage shed at the Muddy Lotus primary school, and the second in a refurbished abandoned building on the campus of the Yengema Secondary school. Individual donations fund the project.
The clinic proudly bears the name “Caiola Family Clinic” in honor of our cherished friends and strong supporters, Bob and Sally Caiola, who provide ongoing support on behalf of their family.
SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS IN JUNE 2018, ASHLEY'S CLINIC HAS CARED FOR OVER 4,500 PATIENTS. THE CLINIC HAS DETECTED AND TREATED MORE THAN 3,500 CASES OF MALARIA AND OVER 700 CASES OF TYPHOID IN THE COMMUNITY.
Having a clinic on school grounds allows students and teachers to receive treatment at the onset of their illness, reducing the time they remain sick and enabling them to return to class within just a few days. The nearest government clinic is a five-mile walk along rough terrain.
Our four nurses are committed to their roles and work relentlessly to ensure every child and teacher receives the care they need to recover and return to their education. Nurse Esther began in 2018, when we opened the clinic. Nurse Mary (an Ebola survivor) joined the Ashley’s Clinic project in 2019 and now manages the “Caiola Family Clinic,” at Yengema Secondary School (YSS), which serves 1,050 students and 100 teachers and staff. Nurse Solomon is the second nurse who joined Nurse Mary at the Caiola Family Clinic, while Nurse Bintu now works alongside Nurse Ester at Ashley’s Clinic.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ASHLEY HOEFLING
“Ashley ventured into every opportunity in life.
Her gifts were always thoughtful, words from the heart, and carefully put together.
She showed above-the-normal level of compassion for her close family and friends.
Her beautiful smile, laugh, and love of life were infectious.
It took courage to do all that Ashley did in her short life.
And she was so appreciative of everyone, during her life, and now, in her afterlife.
Ashley was truly benevolent… a kind soul, warm heart, and threw out love for everyone.
We now see life in totally different perplexities.
We have learned to adjust to unpredictable circumstances
And we are eternally grateful…to everyone who has supported us throughout the first year, and the years to come.
thank you, we embrace you, and encourage a deeper connection.
Thank-you for your support of Ashley’s Health Care Program, at Muddy Lotus Primary School in Sierra Leone.”
– Susan & John Hoefling