Amy was born in 1975. Her mom, just 22 at the time, remembers that first embrace, a moment when her heart transformed into something new—a mother’s heart. That heart would be tested in ways few can imagine, but it would also be inspired and honored by Amy’s indomitable spirit.
Amy’s early years were anything but easy. By age nine, she had already endured years of hardship, only to face another life-altering event: being struck by a car, resulting in an acquired brain injury. But Amy, even as a child, was a fighter. She graduated high school, formed meaningful relationships, held jobs, and even lived independently for years. She didn’t let challenges define her.
In her twenties, Amy faced her darkest battles when she struggled with addiction issues. Yet, in true Amy fashion, she found a way to rise again. Fitness became her salvation, and as she often says, “Working out saved my life.” Amy didn’t just embrace fitness; she conquered it, competing in bodybuilding competitions and even qualifying for the Canadian Nationals in British Columbia.
But life had more hurdles in store. At 44, Amy noticed her vision failing and her balance faltering. Her once-reliable skateboard rides became dangerous, and an assault exacerbated her symptoms. Tests revealed lesions on her brain, and doctors diagnosed her with progressive MS and legal blindness. Within a year, Amy went from striking poses on a bodybuilding stage to being unable to walk her dog.
As Amy’s health began to decline rapidly, life became a whirlwind of changes and challenges. She was losing her vision, her mobility, and her independence. The cost of round-the-clock care was overwhelming, and it was clear something had to change.
Amy moved into her new home on December 6, 2023. It wasn’t easy for her or her mom to adjust at first. Her mom made countless calls to the staff, worried and unsure, but every person she spoke to reassured her. Slowly, her mom let go of the caregiver role and focused on being Amy’s mom again.
Now, Amy is thriving in her new life. She works out at the gym three times a week, goes to pottery class, spending time with friends, and is about to start horse grooming. Her sense of humor and sarcasm are still as sharp as ever, keeping everyone around her on their toes. Her zest for life has inspired a new athletic sponsorship in her name for aspiring bodybuilders who share her drive to be the best they can be. Amy’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and laughter. It’s the tale of a woman who faced unimaginable challenges yet refused to lose her spark. Through every twist and turn, Amy remains unapologetically herself: sarcastic, funny, and undeniably awesome. As her mom says, being Amy’s mother has been an honor—an inspiring journey marked by love, laughter, and the unstoppable force that is Amy.
To read more inspiring stories like Amy’s, visit the PHSS newsroom.
