The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
HOME SWEET HOME
Ashton Staton finds his way home
Community members, friends and relatives rallied around the homecoming of Ashton Staton during a driveby parade led by the Concord Township Fire Department.
“It’s just great to see that the community to the time to rally for someone they love and that they’ve supported for many days, weeks and months that Ashton was in the hospital,” said Matt Staton, Ashton’s father. “We’re extremely grateful that the community has shown us support not only just locally, but regionally and nationally.”
After nearly six months in a coma and three months in rehab, Ashton’s last day of inpatient rehab was March 31. The LaMuth Middle School student is battling a rare autoimmune condition, anti-NMDA autoimmune encephalitis, where the body creates antibodies against the NMDA receptors in the brain.
“He’s just an amazing kid. He’s smart, he’s athletic, he’s a leader, he’s just awesome,” said Krissy Staton, Ashton’s mother. Community, friends, relatives — it’s been amazing. We have no idea what to expect. That’s what Ashton keeps asking. There could be five (parade participants) and there could be 500.”
The parade began at Lilly Road and Scarlett Way, and then proceeded up Scarlett Way and around the cul-desac in front of the Staton home where Ashton and his family sat outside. Since Ashton has not fully regained vision, parade participants were encouraged to make a lot of noise, honking and hollering, so Ashton would be able to get the full impact of the number of people who have been supporting him from a distance.
Ashton is the type of kid who is going to hit three home runs in a game over the fence and when someone strikes out, he will come over and help lift them up, Matt said.
“He’s going to help them remember that it’s the next swing that counts,” Matt said. “He’s going to be the
first one cheering on the fence for his teammates. We thank God for the opportunity for the chance of getting Ashton home after waking up.”
The Staton family moved from the Willowick and Willoughby area two and a half years ago, Matt said. Ashton has played sports with many local families
and their kids.
“He’s just a good kid. He relates well with everybody, so the community rallied around him and us,” Matt said.