About Amanda
In 1986, when I was 3 years old, I was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Hirschsprung's disease. Given the severity of the disease in my colon, doctors didn't expect me to live past my 7th birthday. Over 35 surgeries later, multiple more chronic illnesses and diagnoses, and countless head injuries, and bike accidents ... I continue to shock, confuse, and prove all of my doctors wrong
Cycling, ART, puzzles, design, reading, learning, and solving problems continue to be my lifelines, and survival methods for keeping me sharp, especially when the rest of my body is failing. ​
To say I'm a "Renaissance Gal" would be an understatement because I've dipped my toe
into so many different fields of study, interests, and artforms ... plus, I'm one of those types with a LOTTA energy, spunk, and moxie, and who's always looking at all the tiny details(and paying close attention to all the creatures, great and small!).
Amanda Panda's Photo Album
 Amanda, 3, surrounded by her Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW) nurses. |  Amanda in Children's Hospital photo for ostomy care teaching materials (1986). |  Amanda with "boyfriend" Jacob (1986). |
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 Amanda hallway-walking with her patient friend. |  Amanda with nurses and Doctor Levy (Summer 1986). |  Amanda getting her first popsicle after having nothing to eat or drink for 2 months (1986). |
 |  Amanda's surgeon and nurses during 2-month CHW stay in 2008. |  Amanda's nurses and friends during 2-month CHW stay in 2008. |
 Amanda and the "Seasoned Nurses" during her 2-month CHW stay in 2008. |  Amanda's abdomen since gall bladder removal in October 2024 |