Perfect at Homecoming. Then Unrecognizable. What Was Hiding in Their Home?

Ava was homecoming queen, healthy and thriving in her senior year of high school. Then everything changed.

Her mother, Ashley, noticed changes in Ava’s complexion. Then Ava passed out in a school bathroom. Within days, a severe rash spread over her face and body, and she became almost unrecognizable. The family began looking for answers.

On this episode of The Deeper Healing™ Podcast, host Danielle Howley speaks with Ashley about her family’s experience navigating Ava’s unexplained symptoms, investigating potential environmental concerns and making difficult decisions about their home and daily lives.

According to Ashley, environmental testing identified elevated mold spore levels in Ava’s bedroom. The family also found a bad AC hookup that was blowing air directly on Ava’s face, and a contractor discovered a shower leak after opening the ceiling above the bathroom. Ashley shares that Ava was later found to be sensitive to mold.

The family faced practical and emotional challenges along the way. Ashley describes temporarily leaving the home, and Ava taking time away from school during this period.

Ashley reflects on the uncertainty of that time, the importance of seeking appropriate professional guidance and the challenge of supporting a loved one when the reasons for their symptoms are not fully understood. She also talks about how she tried to create a supportive home environment, and how hearing another family’s story helped her hold on to hope.

According to Ashley, Ava is attending college and moving forward with her life.

Ashley and Ava’s story is also featured in the film Body Burden, featuring Deeper Healing.

This conversation offers a personal account of a family navigating unexpected health concerns and investigating potential indoor environmental problems. It also highlights the emotional, practical and financial considerations that can arise when families seek answers.

Important health information
This episode shares a personal experience and general educational information. It is not medical advice and does not establish mold exposure as the cause of Ava’s symptoms or any specific medical condition. The account does not establish that any dietary practice, lifestyle change, environmental intervention or treatment caused a particular outcome. Individual circumstances and outcomes vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Consult appropriately qualified environmental professionals regarding suspected moisture or mold problems.