Asher's Story

Asher Chmiel
Age 7
Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital
Dandy Walker Malformation

The first thing most people notice about Asher Chmiel is his beautiful thick, brown, curly hair. No one has ever walked up to him without running their hands through it. And he loves it. This brings out the next things people notice about Asher—his huge infectious smile and bubbly laugh. And although Asher is non-verbal, he communicates through the universal language of happiness and acceptance.

Asher’s contagious personality may be surprising to some given all he’s been through. Asher was born with Dandy Walker Malformation, an underdeveloped cerebellum, which delays development and prevents him from walking or talking. Asher has also been diagnosed with autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Since birth, 7-year-old Asher has been treated at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, where doctors and nurses have worked tirelessly to give him a normal life. When he’s in the hospital, he works his “magic,” charming his doctors and nurses and lifting the spirits of those who come to visit him. They see his spirit and joy and in turn are inspired.