Our dear friend has been silently fighting for her life this year. Amanda Allard was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Takayasu Arteritis in 2008. She has managed her condition on her own for the last 17 years, receiving infusions and administering herself injections in addition to tracking numerous daily medications.

Amanda has had to endure 4 open heart surgeries ; the first in 2019 to replace two of her heart valves which were ravaged by the disease and all the medications through the years. In 2025, Amanda had THREE open heart surgeries; one in April to replace the valves because of wear (and literal tear) of her arteries. She ended up back at MGH on November 3rd 2025 with endocarditis, an extremely dangerous heart infection. She underwent emergency open heart surgeries to clear the staphylococcus infection that sent her into sepsis and destroyed her new valves.

After replacing those valves, Amanda suffered a pulmonary blood clot 3 weeks later; resulting in ANOTHER emergency open heart surgery to remove the blockage that was causing oxygen levels to drop, compromising her vital organs. After a tracheostomy to regulate her breathing and oxygen levels, Amanda FINALLY left the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at MGH on January 11th, 2026.

She will be continuing her recovery at MGH Respiratory Care Unit, working on her strength to walk and talk again. Her next step, will be at a rehab facility, likely not for another couple of months.

Amanda has spent 6 months of the year as a resident of MGH and unable for employment. We are asking for any support, any donations of all denominations are greatly appreciated and will assist Amanda and her family during these medically expensive …financially, physically, and emotionally times.

Amanda has fought so hard to stay alive; she has so much more fight and determination left in her and want to cushion her with a bit of a nest for her current finances ♥️

Thank you kindly for your consideration and generosity. Together, Amanda is tougher than Takayasu