Amanda's Memorial

Diana Dykstra is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Benjamin Emmons.

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My niece, Amanda was diagnosed with Covid19 in July, and was in a coma. She spent several weeks in ICU in Fayetteville NC, before they needed to send her to Duke University Hospital for more specialized treatment. It was her only hope for survival using some new technology.

Amanda has been a fighter her entire life. She was born with a chromosome disorder and spent a majority of her early years having multiple surgeries on her legs and feet. She beat all the odds and became a beautiful young woman! Amanda is all about her family. Her brothers and sisters, and her parents are her life. She was the heart of the family. Even with all the extra care she required, she made everyone smile with her achievements and her singing:)

My sister Julie and her husband traveled back and forth to the Hospital while juggling their other children to try to keep some normalcy to their life. They had such hope as "Manda" was showing signs of life and starting to respond to treatment. They were by her side as much as possible.

Unfortunately, the fight was just too much for Amanda, and the morning of August 29th she took her last breathe.

Our family is obviously devastated, and there is really no words to better explain. Trying to recover from loosing a child, or sibling is hard enough, but the costs to cherish your loved ones is just too much. The cost to transport her home from the University Hospital and bring her home was estimated at $1,500. Additionally, we want to offer relief to the family so they can provide for a true memorial for Amanda. The cremation, the urn and fees are in excess of $5,000. Not to mention this doesn't even include any fees from the hospital visits.

I can't imagine the pain, but I know how my heart is broken not able to be there and help in any other way. What I can do is help spread the word to our family and friends that my sister is in need. She needs to be able to provide Amanda a final resting place and memorial with her parents and family. The grief this family has on their shoulders can't be taken away with any donations, but certainly it would help the family make a final home for Amanda.

Please consider any amount to help bring this family peace.