Aslyn Paige Ryan
February 1, 2003 – February 7, 2004
A Mother’s Story
Aslyn was a beautiful, bright-eyed baby—so full of joy and light. On the morning of February 7, 2004, she was playing in the kitchen with her daddy before heading to her sitter’s house. As I left for work, she was tugging at his pant leg, wanting him to read her favorite book about turtles. She ended her special morning with him by watching her favorite show, Bear in the Big Blue House.
Later that afternoon, our world changed forever. We received a devastating phone call: our daughter was having trouble breathing, and an ambulance had been called. My father rushed to the sitter’s house and rode with her to the children’s emergency room. I left work at a nearby hospital and raced to meet them.
What I saw when I arrived was worse than anything I had imagined. Doctors and nurses were working desperately to save her. Aslyn’s body temperature had reached 106 degrees. She had suffered irreversible brain damage from lack of oxygen after being left alone in a vehicle on an 85-degree day. She was later transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit, where she fought for her life. After two days of blood transfusions, tests, and medications, our baby girl lost her fight.
We held our sweet angel in our arms as she passed away. In the days that followed, we were consumed with shock and grief, trying to understand how something so unthinkable could have happened. Losing a child is a pain like no other—especially when the loss was completely preventable.
Since that day, I have made it my mission to ensure that no other parent has to experience the heartbreak of losing a child in this way. The journey through grief is long and isolating—but I have found purpose in honoring Aslyn’s legacy.
Aslyn made me a better person just by being her mother. I’ve learned that even a short life can leave a profound and lasting impact. Everything I do is inspired by her. Her spirit still guides me.
It’s hard to believe that Aslyn would be an adult today. I often imagine the young woman she would have become. Her short dash through life changed me—and so many others—forever. I believe she’s watching from above, proud that her story is helping to save children’s lives.
In Aslyn’s honor, we continue to advocate for public education and support legislation that protects children from preventable vehicle tragedies. Her life—though far too short—has become a powerful force for change. And through our love, and our voices, her legacy lives on.
Please consider making a donation in honor of Aslyn to help Kids and Car Safety save children’s lives:
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