Amanda loves playing soccer. She was already an important member of her team when, at 15, she tore an ACL while playing. Luckily for Amanda, she received a tissue transplant at the suggestion of her doctor. This was a learning experience for her – “I didn’t even know that could happen.” Amanda healed and again immersed herself in soccer, becoming 1st Team All-District MVP and the leading goal scorer for her team.
Amanda continued to play until recently, when she seriously ripped the ACL in her other knee during soccer. In November 2007, she received her second tissue transplant. She goes to rehab three times each week and continues to make progress. Due to the overwhelming kindness of her donors, this young woman will hopefully make a full recovery and return to the sport she loves.
Aside from soccer, Amanda knows that her life would have been dramatically altered had she not received these transplants. She says she is grateful just to be able to walk. Her grandfather, Darrell, reflects this sentiment: “I know for a fact that if someone would not have donated, she would not be where she is today. I can’t say thanks enough.”
When reflecting on the generous gift she received, Amanda says, “I wish I could meet the donor’s family to say ‘thank you’.”
