Meet Ashton. At 10 years old, he’s already a published author and now a recognized artist.
His face mask design – the “Kindosaurus Rex” – was chosen to be one of three Miracle Masks.
In collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, RE/MAX held a contest for children impacted by CMN Hospitals to design a face mask. The public voted on their favorites, and three winning designs are now available for purchase. For each mask pack sold, 50% of the purchase price goes directly to affiliate hospitals of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
image-20240102-034052
Ashton and his family reside in North Carolina but have grown to call Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, home as well.
Ashton was born with Bilateral Urinary Reflux, which led to Chronic Kidney Disease. After receiving misdiagnoses as a baby, Ashton and his parents found hope at Nationwide Children’s – the only hospital that offered a stringent treatment plan as well as answers.
image-20240102-034052
The Miracle Mask isn’t Ashton’s first claim to fame. At just 7 years old, he wrote and illustrated How I Became a Superhero, a children’s book meant to inspire kindness among others and empower anyone facing difficult times, especially those who are in the hospital. All proceeds from the book were donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio, where Ashton’s family has spent more than 300 nights, to help other families in similar situations.
image-20240102-034052
In the wake of its popularity, a second book is underway for 2021 – this time, including mask-wearing as a superpower that makes people into responsible superheroes.
We sat down with Ashton – who still receives care at Nationwide Children’s – to learn more about the brave, talented artist.
How did you come up with the design for your mask?
I made my mask to inspire people to be kind. The dinosaur is just one of my favorite things.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to play games – board games and video games. I like to draw and do crafts and stuff like that. I do a lot of fundraising and usually it takes my mind off of [being in] the hospital… I was 7 when I wrote [my first book]. I wrote it to make people in the hospital feel more at home.
Are you excited to see people wearing a mask you designed?
I am excited because I think that when I see somebody who has something I drew on their face, it [will make] me happy.
What’s special to you about Nationwide Children’s Hospital?
One thing I love about the hospital is that [it’s] more homey than if you were to go to your regular checkup at a different hospital. Here, if you’re scared, they give you things to help you calm down.
A 3-pack of Miracle Masks, which includes Ashton’s design, is available for purchase through RE/MAX Approved Supplier blinkswag.com; 50% of all sales benefit the purchaser’s local Children’s Miracle Network affiliate hospital.
Recommended For You
Get RE/MAX News delivered to your inbox! Sign up for News Alerts in the footer below.
Written by RE/MAX News
