About Amanda
Thank you. I am ready to talk about my daughter, Amanda. She was born June 15, 1989. A very difficult birth. Due to the hospitals error, she was born with Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy and Legally blind. She was given 7 years to live as the CP was severe. But she was a lot like me (a fighter) and she made it past and was then given a full life as she was striving very well. She didnt talk, walk, feed herself, toilet etc... but she amazingly showed and gave the most incredible love I have ever witnessed in my life. About 2 years ago, she started choking on her food and by trying everything I could think of medically and on my own, she lost too much weight (50 pounds) and we had to have a G-tube "Installed" August 2004. She seemed to be doing better until May of 2005. She started to loose her balance (She walked on her knees) and a some point I realized the palm of her habd layed flat against the palm of her wrist. The and the simple tasks she was able to do, was no more. After 4 months of every imaginable test (invasive and non-invasine) The most telling test was the EMG/NVS - she was diagnosed with ALS (Sept 2005). It was the hardest thing for me to believe that she had ALS and CP. OH, I screamed, cried, denied and then excepted as I new it would not be long and my time with her and loving her was the most important feeling to me. She was placed on Palliative Care (Wonderful) the first part of October and then we just loved her. She was and still is my Sunshine.
She progressed VERY rapid and Christmas day was the only day she was alert, happy and awake. On January 13, 2006, she peacefully passed away in my arms. That was my Prayer to GOD. I could not hold her when she was born, but please let me hold her when she goes home. He answers Prayers. The journey with her was amazing and the love she gave was incredible. She was 16 1/2 years old. I hope to help, talk to and just be there for anyone who may need me. God Bless Tammy