Take a Break: Accentuate the Positive
Memory of courageous young girl inspires Amanda's Journey
Jerry Gretzinger
Amanda Perrotta had an unusual knack for staying postitive.
She also had an unusual disease that made her live much of her life out of a hospital room.
After 14 years of being in and out of hospitals, Amanda was finally diagnosed with mitochondrial depletion syndrome which robs the cells of the ability to produce energy. She lived just 2 more years.
Dr. Darius Adams, who treated Amanda at Albany Medical Center, says mito, as it's commonly called, can be mild enough that you never realize you have it or severe enough to be fatal.
Despite her diagnosis, Amanda never gave up hope, was never negative and always found a way to stay positive.
"She never complained though. Never complained. She just shined like the sun."
Her parents, Jacqueline and Louis, started "Amanda's Journey", an organization dedicated to raising awareness about mito and to finding the good in every day.
On September 13th, friends and family will gather together to complete Amanda's journey, when they host a walk in her memory.
At 15 years old, Amanda lost the use of her legs and vowed to someday get them back. She had some success and was able to stand on her own and walk with assistance. For those who knew her, the walk at the Crossings of Colonie seemed like an appropriate remembrance.
Quotes from Amanda's journals will be on hand at the walk so people can get an idea of the kind of person she was.
A young lady who sought the silver lining and aimed for the stars.
The walk for Amanda is happening Sunday, September 13th at the Crossings in Colonie. Registration starts at 1 pm for the 2 o'clock walk and 2 pm for the 4 o'clock.
