Daily Inspiration: Meet Ashley Hall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hall.

Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ashley Hall, and I am the founder of Houston’s Lift Off.

On August 14th 2015 I gave birth to my first son, Houston. He was born prematurely and spent 4½ months in the NICU. He was born premature due to a shortage in my umbilical cord. Those months taught me about fear, strength, hope, and a love deeper than I ever knew existed.

On January 5, 2016, Houston gained his angel wings, and my world changed forever. In that moment, I made my son a promise: his legacy would live on.

After losing Houston, I struggled to find my way forward. I stepped away from work for nearly eight months to grieve and faced many hardships. But through the pain, I began asking myself, “What can I do with this?”

I couldn’t change what happened to Houston, but I could use his story to help another family.

In April 2020, Houston’s Lift Off was formed, and we became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting NICU families and families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. We are located in Canton Ohio. We work with Aultman Hospital and the Akron Children’s NICU.

Today, we provide care baskets, NICU graduation gifts, hotel assistance, meals, family activities, and bereavement support. We have brought comfort to 1695 NICU families.

For me, Houston’s Lift Off is about more than giving. It is about reminding a scared NICU parent, “You are not alone. I understand.”

Houston may not have had the chance to grow up, but his life continues to make an impact through every family we help. Every family we serve is another piece of the promise I made to my son.

I turned my grief into purpose, my pain into compassion, and Houston’s memory into a mission.

I made my son a promise that his legacy would live on—and every day, I work to keep that promise.

Some people never get to meet their hero.
I gave birth to mine.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges for Houston’s Lift Off is finding consistent sponsorships and funding to sustain and grow our programs. Many of the families we serve rely on these programs during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, making reliable support essential.

Another challenge is finding dedicated volunteers. As our organization continues to grow, we need volunteers who are willing to give their time, talents, and hearts to help us serve more NICU families.

A personal challenge for me has been learning the business side of running a nonprofit. I started Houston’s Lift Off from a place of love, grief, and a promise to my son—not because I had a background in nonprofit management. I have had to learn fundraising, sponsorships, finances, marketing, grant writing, networking, and the many responsibilities that come with running an organization.

I am still learning every day, but each challenge has helped me grow as a leader and has strengthened my commitment to Houston’s mission.

With consistent sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and continued growth, we can reach even more families and keep Houston’s legacy alive.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For most of my life, I worked as a dog groomer. It was a career I loved and one that taught me patience, compassion, dedication, and how to care for others.

When 2020 changed so much for everyone, it also brought a new chapter in my life. I began working for Amazon, where I have continued to grow professionally. I am now a Process Assistant, a role that has taught me leadership, accountability, communication, and how to work with a team.

While continuing to grow Houston’s Lift Off, I have also been thinking about going back to school to become an ultrasound technician. I want to continue learning, growing, and finding ways to make a difference in the lives of others.

In 2024, another important milestone happened for Houston’s Lift Off: I officially trademarked the Houston’s Lift Off name. I was able to take that step with the guidance and support of my mentor, Sadija Smiley, who has been an important part of my journey.

Sadija is the founder of SAILS — Stillborn and Infant Loss Awareness, and her experience and mentorship have helped me understand that building an organization is a journey. She has encouraged me, supported me, and helped me believe in what Houston’s Lift Off can become.

I may not have started with a background in business, nonprofit management, or healthcare. I started as a mom who lost her son and made him a promise.

Everything I have learned since then has been part of keeping that promise.

Houston’s Lift Off continues to grow, and so do I.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing my children happy and knowing that I am doing everything I can to create a good life for them.

I also find so much happiness in helping others. Whether it is supporting a NICU family, being there for someone going through a difficult time, or simply letting someone know they are not alone, helping others gives my life purpose.

After everything I have been through, I have learned that happiness isn’t always about what we have. Sometimes, it comes from knowing that we can make a difference in someone else’s life.

My children are my greatest joy, and helping others is my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.houstonsliftoff.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonsliftoff?utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DF74w1vNC/?mibextid=wwXIfr