Amanda Sue Thompson lived her life carefree and one day at a time, loving her family and friends. Whenever Amanda would see anyone in trouble or need, she was always there for them. Amanda had a congenital heart defect which was undiagnosed until December 2010, when she suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot traveling to her brain. "Amanda never discussed her wish to donate," said her parents, "but when the time came, we did not have to think twice. We knew that she would want to help others with her gift of life. Amanda will always be a hero in our eyes, our loving caring daughter."

Amanda's Story

Amanda Sue Thompson lived her life carefree and one day at a time, loving her family and friends. She also loved to read and was pretty quiet for the most part; she would sit back and take everything in. Whenever Amanda would see anyone in trouble or need, she was always there for them.

Amanda had a congenital heart defect which was undiagnosed until a snowy Michigan winter morning in December 2010, when she suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot traveling to her brain. Amanda fought to survive for three days, but the damage to her brain continued to worsen. She passed away a day later.

Prior to Amanda's death she had made the decision to become a nursing assistant. She was looking forward to being able to help the elderly. "We were so proud of her," said her parents. "Amanda had never discussed her wish to donate, but when the time came, we did not have to think twice. We knew that she would want to help others with her gift of life.

"Once we had made the decision to donate, after all the time in the hospital, it seemed that a calm came over us, knowing that this was the right decision. I know that Amanda is looking down on us smiling, knowing that she was able to help someone else. Amanda will always be a hero in our eyes, our loving caring daughter. We miss her so very much."