DETROIT – A local woman's life-long battle with epilepsy took a turn for the worse last month, as an appendectomy procedure placed her in a medically induced coma.
Ashley Nikou was diagnosed with epilepsy as a four-year-old girl, her sister says. Throughout her life, seizures made it difficult to get through school, find reliable jobs and even earn her driver's license. Ashley battled through years of hospital visits and special treatments to participate in sports like basketball, volleyball and baseball.
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She was the first person in her family to graduate from college, doing so with a degree in criminal justice from Wayne State University. Afterwards, she found a job with the Roseville Police Department and enjoyed 17 months seizure-free.
But two weeks ago, Ashley was rushed to the hospital after suffering from a bad attack. She has been in a medically induced coma for five days and will have to used a colostomy bag when she wakes up, her sister said.
She also said that two tumors revealed that her sister has stage three cancer.
Ashley's family has started a fundraiser to help with medical bills and to rally support around their sister as she battles the latest hurdle.
To help donate to Ashley's cause, you can click here to visit that page.
Roseville PD is also holding a fundraising event for Ashley on Friday at The Vintage House. Click here to find out more information about this event.