Amanda: Defying the Odds, One Flight at a Time
Miracle Story
Seventeen-year-old Amanda embodies resilience. Diagnosed with an extremely rare form of epilepsy, she is one of only 32 people in the world living with this condition. For years, unpredictable and severe seizures kept her homebound—but thanks to consistent treatments and Miracle Flights, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. In fifth grade, after beginning treatment, Amanda finally returned to in-person school. Today, as a thriving eleventh grader, she excels in online learning and is on track to graduate next year. Her strength extends beyond her epilepsy—Amanda also overcame scoliosis, undergoing successful back surgery at UCSF in San Francisco, a trip made possible by Miracle Flights. Her mother proudly shares, “Her rods are holding up beautifully.”
Since 2015, Miracle Flights has flown Amanda and her parents 25 times to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, where she was diagnosed with CHD2—a rare genetic mutation linked to her epilepsy. Though her condition requires ongoing care, Amanda has been seizure-free for two years and continues to shine as a student. While there is still no cure for CHD2, Amanda’s future is brighter than ever—fueled by groundbreaking research, unwavering determination, and the steadfast support of Miracle Flights. With each flight, she is soaring toward a life of endless possibilities.
