Mandy was born in Ceiba, P.R. on a Military Base. She was 6lbs 6ounces and 201/2 inches long. Mandy had blonde hair and blue eyes; and one of the most beautiful smiles anyone ever saw. She was actually born on her due date.
Mandy has an older brother Justin who is 15 months older than her, and an younger sister Samantha. She also has a step-brother Keith who is her age.
She was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis on her first birthday at Wolfson Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. She spent a lot of time in the hospital; like most C.F. patients.
Mandy had her first brush with death when she was about two, the doctors were scared for her and suggested that I go home and plan her funeral. Then they told me about a procedure that would probably help her but was no longer recommended; they explained it to me and we deciced to have it done. she bounced back and was fine a couple of days later.
As I was about to find out that was just the tip of the iceberg when dealing with a CF patient. Good days are few and very far apart.
She was a very strong willed person (had been since she was two) and that will kept her alive for many years. She questioned every move that the doctors made. She would not try a new medication or treatment unless she thought it would help, the doctors word was not good enough for her. She wanted to set her schedule for the doctors and nurses; thiers was not up to her standards. She liked to stay up at night and sleep half the day which drove the hospital staff crazy. She had a kind heart and a firey temper (not sure where that came from).
She had many surgeries done over the years, some were a big help others I wish we never bothered with. She went through alot with the medical procedures, hospital stays, at home treatments, and daily upkeep. I'm not sure if I could handel all of what she endured.
She went to Medina Kindergarten center, Garfield Elementary, Lodi Elementary, Cloverleaf Middle School and graduated from Cloverleaf High School.
Due to her health she missed out on alot of things that other people take for granted. She didn't do sleep overs (other parents didn't want to be responsible for her treatments and meds ). She couldn't run as long as the other kids, she was small so she was overlooked for team play. She couldn't make plans to go somewhere in advance because she couldn't count on being home and not in the hospital.
She never got to walk down the aisle and get her Diploma with her class. her health wouldn't allow it. We worked hard at trying to get her situated with her graduation. She couldn't make the rehersals due to the home IV's that she was on, the school said that she could walk with her class but Amanda just wasn't up to it when the time came.
She was deeply loved and will forever be missed. rest in peace my Princess.
