On May 24, 2008, 4 days before Amanda's 3rd birthday, Amanda and her family were on their way home when their car was struck by a drunk driver. Her parents and one year old sister escaped with only minor injuries. Amanda however sustained a severe open head and brain injury. She was taken by helicopter to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh were she underwent brain surgery. The plastics team and neurosurgeons worked together to save her life. They had to remove the unviable brain tissue and the remaining portions of her frontal bone. They used a skin graft to cover the void were her own tissue was lost . We were given very little hope that she would even make it through the first few days. As the hours grew into days Amanda's condition improved. She absolutely amazed the doctors with the progress she made in such a short time. After spending 3 weeks in the Intensive Care Unit she was moved to a regular room and we began planning her transition to The Children's Institute. However, due to complications with fevers, infections, skin graft repairs and multiple shunt revisions Amanda remained at the hospital for several months.

Between May and December Amanda has had close to 20 surgeries and has spent 3 ½ months at Children's Hospital with another 3 ½ months at The Children's Institute for rehabilitation. With everything she has had to endure she is able to smile through her tears and is such a joy! On December 10, 2008 Amanda was discharged from TCI and came home to her family. She continues with outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy 3 days a week. She is slowly gaining mobility of her right side. She does not have much use of her right hand but the therapist say with time she will regain use of her hand and fingers. Amanda must wear a leg brace to help her walk. She must also wear a helmet at all times to protect her skull. Amanda is now able to walk on her own, she's starting to eat by mouth, she loves to sing all her favorite songs and her vocabulary is increasing each day!

This spring Amanda's plastic surgeons will begin the process to reconstruct her skull. From a 3D model they will make a plastic piece to replace the frontal bone that she lost. We are still uncertain as to whether or not Amanda will require additional surgeries as she grows because the plastic will not grow with her.

Despite it all Amanda has remained a very happy little girl with never-ending smiles and laughter! We are so blessed and thankful that God answered our prayers and that He continues to surround us with His love. The overflowing prayers and support that we have received from our family, our church, friends and the JP Foundation has been truly amazing!