FIGHTING LIKE A
SUPERHERO
I
by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Amanda Paul’s social media page
magine someone asking a mother how her cancer-stricken daughter is doing, and the first thing she says is “fabulous!” Isn’t it strange? “It feels weird to be cheerful about it, but it’s hard not to be positive when that powerful energy is around you,” says Jennifer, a former journalist at Fox News Channel whose daughter has been going through cancer treatment for the last few months. “I’m not saying she doesn’t have a bad day here and there, but now that her lymphoma symptoms are gone, she’s living her best life!”
That’s the story of Amanda, a 17-year-old Flower Mound girl who is fighting cancer like a superhero!
Amanda developed some discomfort in her body in March. Starting from itchy skin, when it just did not stop, the family sought medical help. The body continued showing multiple signs. It was June 10th, and almost three months since her symptoms started, Amanda was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. “When we first heard the news, I felt like the whole world dropped out from under us. I cried a lot. I was crying, and Amanda put her arm around me and told me it would be okay,” Jennifer shared. “It was that moment I saw her inner strength, and I was just amazed by her reaction.” It’s an emotional phase for a mom to watch her daughter go through all of this. Still, as Jennifer says, Amanda’s positive attitude is contagious, and it makes this whole process easier on her and everyone who knows her.
“I CAN SMILE BECAUSE I KNOW HOW FAR I’VE COME, AND I’M TRYING TO LIVE THE BEST LIFE I CAN UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.” 50 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2021
“Words cannot express the pride and admiration of how my daughter has attacked this situation. When we received the cancer diagnosis, we tailored our reaction and support to Amanda’s reaction to the situation. She immediately was ready to start treatment, fight this disease, and move towards a cure to continue with her life,” dad Rob mentioned. Jennifer added “The doctor called and told me the news. I told Amanda, and she www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
