Amanda Helderle

November 9, 2009

My name is Amanda Helderle. I am 33 years old and have had a roller coaster ride of a life so far. However, it is wonderful that my life has started to level out a bit. To begin, I was born with a genetic lung disease called Cystic Fibrosis (CF). At the time of diagnosis my life expectancy was 6 years old and gradually increased as I got older; I am now 33 and living a life that I never expected to live. My life began to change when I moved to Los Angeles to be listed on USC’s lung transplant list. After being listed on the lung transplant for a couple of years I received the call I had being waiting for…the call that would save my life. On May 12, 2004 I was called and told that I should arrive at USC’s ICU as quickly as possible. Later that evening my two gorgeous pick lungs were placed inside me.

Eventually, I affectionately named my lungs Mike ‘n Ike for my favorite candy that I could no longer eat because of the development of steroid- induced Diabetes. Me, Mike ‘n Ike and my beloved dog traveled all over Southern California hiking, running, surfing, skating, swimming and anything else that required deep breathing. I felt that since I received this gift of life I should enjoy everything possible. Additionally, I began taking classes at the local community college. From the first class I took (History of California), school just felt right.  I continued to take classes at the community college in Santa Monica until I began to miss my family.

In August 2006, I left California to travel by car from the west coast to the Midwest via Highway 44. The drive was an amazing 18 day road trip! From L.A. to San Francisco, south through Redwood National Forest, Yosemite, Arizona, New Mexico and more. It was truly an amazing trip. I arrived back in St Louis greeted by my family and I have been living and going to school since my arrival. I hit some bumps in road in 2007 when my body began to reject Mike ‘n Ike. Luckily, I was once again listed on the lung transplant list only this time at Barnes hospital. I was transplanted only three months later on February 14, 2008.  While I have had many ups and downs with being an organ recipient my life has been quite interesting and challenging to say the least. I have managed to make it this far and do not plan on stopping now. Currently, I spend much of my time in school and volunteering for several different organizations. I have a wonderful support network of friends and family that encourage me to continue to fight no matter what happens.

I feel truly thankful for every moment that I am given!