2008 Woodie Awards
Extraordinary People in Ordinary Places
Emma Pribnow
Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: Outside the Bubble
As the days, months, and years go speeding by, sometimes we forget to take a minute and realize what we could be missing out on. People become so caught up in this fast-paced, career-oriented society that it is difficult to acknowledge what appear to be the "smaller" things in life. We often do not realize that we are surrounded by people with amazing stories of leadership, courage, and kindness. Those who seem the most ordinary may, in fact, be the most extraordinary of all.
If you have had the opportunity to meet a young woman named Amelia Wenzel, you might know what I am talking about. Amelia is the reason I complete my work and go to class. Most importantly, she exemplifies why we should never give up.
Standing next to her, you would never know it, but Amelia has been through more in her life than most of us can imagine. At the age of 20, Amelia received a heart and lung transplant, a surgery with only a 54% survival rate after three years. Not only did Amelia stay strong and high-spirited throughout the process, but managed to complete her college career during the time following the procedure. I cannot even begin to imagine the courage and strength it would take to push through such hard times, while managing to make family and friends laugh and stay positive all along the way. Every time I think to myself I'm too tired, I don't think I can get this done, I think of Amelia and what she has managed to accomplish.
After catching a virus several years later, at the age of 26, Amelia was informed that with her pulmonary function under 25% she was going to need another transplant. This time she would only be receiving a lung transplant, but the procedure would potentially be riskier than the previous one. It's hard to describe the full impact of this news-imagine the detriments to your physical health, the amount of medications you would have to take, the cost of surgery and meds, not to mention the emotional turmoil. Still, Amelia mustered all of her strength and on February 13th, 2008 underwent a single lung transplant.
I am honored and proud to say that Amelia is now rehabilitating and is able to go home. Not only does she continue to amaze me, but so do those around her. Her wonderful husband, his gracious co-workers who gave up their vacation time so he could be with her, as well as her incredible family and friends have shown undying love and support. To realize that there are people all around us who could have a story just the same as this gives me faith in humanity and a greater respect for the small things we often fail to notice.
If you have interest in learning more about Amelia's experience, please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/ameliawenzel where you can read journal entries from friends and family, write to Amelia, view photographs, and make donations.
If you have had the opportunity to meet a young woman named Amelia Wenzel, you might know what I am talking about. Amelia is the reason I complete my work and go to class. Most importantly, she exemplifies why we should never give up.
Standing next to her, you would never know it, but Amelia has been through more in her life than most of us can imagine. At the age of 20, Amelia received a heart and lung transplant, a surgery with only a 54% survival rate after three years. Not only did Amelia stay strong and high-spirited throughout the process, but managed to complete her college career during the time following the procedure. I cannot even begin to imagine the courage and strength it would take to push through such hard times, while managing to make family and friends laugh and stay positive all along the way. Every time I think to myself I'm too tired, I don't think I can get this done, I think of Amelia and what she has managed to accomplish.
After catching a virus several years later, at the age of 26, Amelia was informed that with her pulmonary function under 25% she was going to need another transplant. This time she would only be receiving a lung transplant, but the procedure would potentially be riskier than the previous one. It's hard to describe the full impact of this news-imagine the detriments to your physical health, the amount of medications you would have to take, the cost of surgery and meds, not to mention the emotional turmoil. Still, Amelia mustered all of her strength and on February 13th, 2008 underwent a single lung transplant.
I am honored and proud to say that Amelia is now rehabilitating and is able to go home. Not only does she continue to amaze me, but so do those around her. Her wonderful husband, his gracious co-workers who gave up their vacation time so he could be with her, as well as her incredible family and friends have shown undying love and support. To realize that there are people all around us who could have a story just the same as this gives me faith in humanity and a greater respect for the small things we often fail to notice.
If you have interest in learning more about Amelia's experience, please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/ameliawenzel where you can read journal entries from friends and family, write to Amelia, view photographs, and make donations.
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