Ashlin's Birthday Party Is a Fundraiser for Her Cancer Treatments

Ashlin Costa is a 13-year-old who has a tough road ahead of her. She is suffering from an aggressive form of colon cancer and spends several days a week receiving treatment at Boston Hospitals.

Ashlin's family and friends are planning a birthday party for her on March 16. With your generosity, they're hoping to make it a celebration Ashlin will never forget.

Ashlin has attended St. Joseph's School in Fairhaven. She had hoped to enter Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School this fall as a freshman.

Ashlin's aunt, Lisa Benjamin, and Ashley Dennen, the school nurse at St. Joseph's School in Fairhaven, joined Townsquare Sunday to talk about Ashlin and her upcoming birthday party at Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 57 Fairhaven Road in Mattapoisett, on March 16.

"It all came down after the Christmas vacation," Dennen said. "She left for vacation, and did not return to class."

Ashlin had an MRI the Thursday before New Year's. The next day, her mother received a call saying the family should pack a bag and get to Children's Hospital. Benjamin described the news as "devastating."

Since then, Ashlin has undergone surgeries and received treatment at both Children's Hospital and the Dana Farber Clinic, and her family is hoping she'll be well enough to attend her birthday party on the 16th.

The public is invited. A card or small gift wishing Ashlin "Happy Birthday" would be much appreciated.

Tickets are $20 dollars apiece, $50 per family for a pasta dinner. Take-out meals are also available. The party will also feature raffles, a DJ and a cash bar. Tickets are available by calling or texting Ashley Dennen at (508) 221-3887 or Lisa Benjamin at (774) 930-3043. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Ashlin's mother hasn't worked since her daughter became ill. Two men, whose names are not being made public, are picking up all costs for the party, so all the proceeds will go directly to Ashlin and her family to pay for day-to-day expenses.

Townsquare Sunday is a community affairs program that airs Sunday mornings on WBSM.

If you would like to feature your organization on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.