Ayden's Story | Q&A with Ashley Davis Markum

In addition to focusing on the science behind how cannabis has been shown to benefit children with many conditions, one of the goals of this issue is to provide in-depth and relatable context to parents. Even parents who have children without conditions can relate to what it’s like wanting nothing but happiness for our kids and can understand the heartbreak other parents go through when they see their children struggle. Families who endure these struggles deserve to know they’re not alone, and we’re very proud to introduce you to Ashley Davis Markum, who is the founder of Missouri NFP, Ayden’s Alliance. She’s here to share the story of her son Ayden, who has seen success in treating his cerebral palsy and epilepsy with the use of CBD oil, and she offers advice to parents considering cannabis therapies.

GRAM Tell us a little about how you got to where you are now.

ASHLEY Gosh that is a long story, but I will try to shorten it! When Ayden was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and a rare form of Epilepsy. Being born 14 weeks too early, we knew he would likely have some delays, but we were not prepared for the challenges that we were about to face. We started right away with seizure medications because we were told if we didn’t get them under control, the prognosis was grim. Medication after medication—not only didn’t help with seizure control—they caused horrible side effects, some we are still dealing with today. After failing multiple medications, we started looking into alternative therapies, and that is when we came across CBD oil. Thankfully Ayden’s neurologist was supportive as long as we got Ayden a Hemp Card. At that time, the Hemp Card program was the only thing available, and it was only for patients with uncontrolled epilepsy. After starting the oil, we discovered the Amendment 2 campaign and got involved right away.

GRAM If you don’t mind sharing, what have been some of your biggest struggles as a parent, either emotionally, financially, etc. that you’ve had to endure?

ASHLEY Being a parent is hard. Being a Special Needs parent to a significantly involved child is next level hard. It’s more than being physically tired, it’s soul exhaustion. From the big things like recovering from surgeries, to the little things like mornings when you’re thankful the day hasn’t started with Ayden crying in pain from muscle spasms, but you also panic inside from the quiet because Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy is a real thing and a constant worry.

GRAM Were there any struggles in your daily life because you chose to treat Ayden with cannabis?

ASHLEY When we first started Ayden on this therapy, nobody knew what CBD even was. Now you see CBD on every corner. I think the fear was the biggest thing. We didn’t tell many to begin with because it was still such a taboo topic. I worried a lot if the wrong person was going to find out and what would happen.

GRAM How did family and friends react to this treatment?

ASHLEY We didn’t tell a whole lot of people to begin with. The family that did know were very supportive. My mom even helped us get Ayden’s first bottle of oil.

GRAM Did you receive any encouragement or support in your journey? Where and when?

ASHLEY After getting involved with the Amendment 2 campaign, we couldn’t hide it anymore that we were giving Ayden oil. Surprisingly most of our friends and family were very supportive. Most of our church even signed petitions both times we ran the campaign. My mindset has now changed to “Of course, why wouldn’t the people that love us sign it?” but back then, when we first started out, the fear was very real. I think seeing Ayden benefit so much from the oil was enough for even the doubters in our circle to become supportive. I will say the cannabis community has been one of the most caring and helpful groups we have ever been involved with. Even fellow patients that had little to give, have blessed our family immensely.

GRAM Is there help or resources you recommend for other parents?

ASHLEY We started our non-profit, Ayden’s Alliance, to help Missouri patient families, financially and with educational support. Surprisingly social media groups have been great, not only for cannabis support, but for the unique challenges we face as special needs families.

GRAM What are some ways people could help a family going through similar circumstances?

ASHLEY Just be there. Listen, reach out and just love on them. If you see a need that you could help with, just do it. Don’t wait for us to ask for help, because most of the time, we won’t.

GRAM What would you tell other parents considering cannabis as an option for their child?

ASHLEY Gather all the information you can, and talk with other families that have been using cannabis for their children. Most of us have learned from other parents. Knowing what has worked for children similar to yours is a great place to start. And don’t get discouraged if one or two things do not help. There are so many cannabinoid options, and sometimes it takes trying several strains or even strain combos to see some positive results.

AydensAlliance.org