Hi everyone, thank you for taking the time to read Amanda's story.

As most of you know, Amanda is a single mom to two beautiful children – Abigail and Benjamin.

She has been a warrior the past few years. Raising her children while also recovering from a sudden diagnosis of a cavernous malformation which resulted in emergency brain surgery in 2021.

In late-February of this year, Abigail was unexpectedly diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). For a time, she lost the ability to walk and hold herself up while seated. Her speech was impacted as well as other symptoms too long to list.

Imagine Abigail doing cartwheels and running and playing on a Sunday, and ending up in the hospital Monday unable to walk in excruciating pain. It is a mother’s worst nightmare.

For those unfamiliar with FND, it is a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work. Typically the disorder affects movement and senses, such as the ability to walk, swallow, see or hear. The condition and subsequent relapses can be triggered by stress or psychological or physical trauma.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important in helping with recovery, which Amanda successfully accomplished. Abbie received a very quick diagnosis due to Amanda’s advocation and Abigail is walking and talking normally after 4 months due to a swift and thorough treatment plan.

She was recently told by one of Abigail’s many health professionals that “if the world had more mothers like Amanda, it would for certain be a better place”. We could not agree more.

We are all so unbelievably proud of Abigail and her fierce determination and positive attitude throughout the past few months. Although she is walking and mobile today, stress and illness can cause relapses. A recent bout of pneumonia in August did just that – therefore mitigating stress and triggers will be key in keeping her as healthy as possible.

Part of this, a very important part, is protecting the physical and emotional health of the children, now and in the future through the legal system.

Amanda has depleted all of her savings in lawyer fees thus far and still has an anticipated long legal battle ahead. She has been off work since February and needs help. All funds raised will go directly to pending lawyer payments and keeping up with day to day living expenses.

On behalf of her family, we ask for your prayers for Amanda and her children.

And we are so thankful for any help you can provide.

Thank you so much.