As many of you know Amanda is one of my very best friends.

This last couple of years has been an emotional rollercoaster for her and all that love her. Here is a bit of her story: Amanda met the love of her life, Chris, in June 2021. Amanda and Chris became pregnant in 2022 with TWINS! Such an exciting time in her life, I had never seen her happier. Little did we know that things were about to take an abrupt turn just 10 days after the twins were born. Amanda knew something was wrong and returned to the hospital for testing and soon thereafter, she was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK Positive lung cancer. I remember the shock and disbelief I felt when she first called me to deliver the news. That day will haunt me forever.

Since then, there have been LOTS of ups and downs. Trying to adjust to being a new mother of twins, moving into a new home, becoming a wife, step-parent and trying to wrap her head around a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis is more than anyone should ever have to take on. I am so proud of Amanda for moving through this part of her life like the champion she is. Bravery, positivity and vulnerability have been her guiding forces. There are good days and there are hard days but she never lets defeat stay for too long. Amanda has chosen to live her life fully. Fortunately, Amanda did match for a specific treatment that allows her to live a seemingly normal life, she is back to working, exercising, and caring for the most delicious kiddos. There is still a lot of unknown and that part still feels really scary. Amanda is an amazing friend, she has a big personality, bigger heart and a fire inside of her that drives everything she feels passionately about. Her community of support is big and it's a complete reflection of how she shows up for everyone she loves.

Please donate and help change the lives for Amanda and everyone in the ALK community!