Amanda

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I used to work for the Federal Government and Washington University - St. Louis, as a Research Biologist doing medical research. Until I got sick. I was diagnose with a pulmonary embolism in June 2004...a day I will certainly never forget. Long story short (as possible), I was coughing up blood, demanded a CAT scan, was diagnosed with a blood clot that was 'stuck' in my pulmonary artery (went through the heart and on it's way to the lungs, where I would've surely died), had pulmonary hypertension to the point where I went into congestive heart failure, went to San Diego to have a very high risk surgery to remove the blood clot and hopefully return my quality of life. You can read more about it at http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/pte. The surgery went well (relatively...I crashed on the table) but my body didn't respond well...too much oxygen and blood in lungs that were deprived for 3-6 years and all that pressure burst the tiny vessels in my lungs. I was put in a drug-induced coma for 3 weeks (not knowing if I would come out or suffer from long-term neurological effects) and on ECMO life support as a last ditch option to allow the drainage of 5 liters of blood out of my chest and healing of my lungs. I came out beautifully, and then faced 3+ months of intense physical therapy to regain all the muscle control I lost from the paralyzing coma. One year later (almost exactly), I'm much better and considered a miraculous "normal" medical case, but I'm heavily monitored by some of the best doctor's in the world! I also co-lead a support group for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association to increase education, awareness, and advocacy. I now work for a small biotech company, Lamda Biotech, based out of St. Louis. I'm the Business Manager (I'm jumping over to learn the 'business' side of things) and I'm pretty happy there. I like having more influence in a smaller company, than going unheard in a larger one. It's important to be happy where you work and like what you do...chances are, you are going to be there more than you are at home! I've been married since Jan.12, 2002 (my mom's birthday) to my wonderful husband, Matt. We were married in Dunn's River Falls, Jamaica in a private garden ceremony. We had a large reception for our family and friends once we returned home, that included a Jamaican theme. We have no children, and don't anticipate having any either; especially now. However, we do have an adorable 9lb. apricot toy poodle named Murphy who serves as our surrogate child. Actually, since having him, we've noticed many strong similarities to pets and children! We all live in a great community/neighborhood in Florissant, MO; which is a northern suburb of St. Louis.