A Milwaukee-area family is suing Children’s Wisconsin hospital after their 24-year-old daughter’s brain donation was lost due to a mix-up. Ashtyn Fellenz suffered from Canavan disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the brain and is fatal in most cases. Her parents say they were told her brain tissue was being shipped to research facilities for potential life-saving treatments.
However, an investigation revealed that only half of Ashtyn’s brain had been discarded, while the other half was sent to a different facility. The Fellenz family is still trying to come to terms with the loss and are focusing on keeping Ashtyn’s legacy alive through their charity work, helping provide medical equipment to children with Canavan disease worldwide.
Ashtyn’s parents, Scott and Arlo, described how they had entrusted the hospital with a critical task and were devastated by the mistake. They say they understand that mistakes can happen, but what hurts is that it was a mix-up that could have potentially changed their daughter’s fate.
The family’s story highlights the importance of attention to detail and proper communication in medical procedures. It also underscores the value of charitable work and legacy in giving families something to hold onto after loss.
Source: https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2025/06/23/milwaukee-area-family-suing-childrens-wi-over-lost-brain-donation/83585753007