Teen changing lives of cancer patients

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Before year's end, more than 31,000 Hoosiers will hear the words, "you have cancer." It's a devastating diagnosis, but a teenager hopes to help cancer patients in the fight.

24-Hour News 8 visited her at Decatur Middle School.

Ashley Slayton, 13, is a bright student - quick with a raised hand and a right answer. She likes school, friends, and volleyball.

But her passion is a project she started shortly after her grandmother was diagnosed with recurrent uterine cancer in August. Karen Shaw was forced to undergo months of treatment. Slayton rarely left her side.

"She said we can get through this together," said Shaw tearfully. "She held my hand every step of the way."

When chemotherapy robbed Shaw of her hair, her granddaughter saved her allowance to buy Shaw a wig for Christmas.

"She seemed really happy, so I said, 'let's do this for other cancer patients,'" said Slayton.

An idea was born. Slayton began helping cancer patients throughout Central Indiana. Teachers and classmates donate hats and scarves at a collection box at Decatur Middle school.

Those hats go in gift bags she delivers to hospitals. Slayton spends hours filling each bag with candy, stuffed animals, and even hand-crafted items.

"A lady makes those for us, and she made 76 hats for us," Slayton said as she pointed to fitted cloth caps.

The teenager has even developed her own Web site called Nana's Cancer Miracles. The site has inspired others to give - proving you're never too young to make a difference.

Ashley has visited more than 500 patients and their families. If you'd like to donate, you can drop off the following items at Decatur Middle School: wigs, hats, scarves, gift baskets, money, stuffed animals, books, and magazines.