Last night Donna and I slept for eight hours for the first time in a month. In fact, Donna and I woke up at exactly the same time, exchanged loving smiles, we kissed and wished each other a happy anniversary. Twenty-nine years ago on this day, we were married at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C.
Had it not been for that monumental day, we would not be here in Augusta at Doctors Hospital, because Aimee never would have been born. Had our marriage never happened, I am convinced that today my life would be a filled with loneliness and misery. Donna was an answer to my prayers and Paige and Aimee were answers to our combined prayers. God has been good to us by filling our family with the love we share. I can’t explain why Aimee fell ill to that horrific bacterial infection. I would love to be able to go back to the day of Aimee’s accident and undo everything that has been done, but I can’t do that, so why dwell on it? I am simply thankful to have enjoyed a fabulous family life over the past twenty nine years.
2 Corinthians 12:9 is correct in stating that “’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” That scripture hits home with us. In fact, we see the scripture in action every day.
One of the first letters we received after Aimee’s accident was from Deanna Hilgemann of Galveston, Texas. Deanna wrote a beautiful letter and shared her personal testimony of how she made some mistakes in her life, but she confessed her mistakes and advised Aimee to hold her family close and further offered encouragement to Aimee to use her experiences for God’s greater glory. Deanna’s letter has touched our entire family deeply. Her love and compassion poured out of each and every word. God bless you Deanna.
One of my new friends on Facebook, Sean Murphy, decided to step out and give blood for the first time in 10 years. This was not an easy decision, because the last time he tried he suffered a vasovagal reaction and had a seizure. It took a lot of courage for Sean to step up and give blood after that experience, but he was encouraged by Aimee’s courage, so he opted to give it a try. As Sean was being processed as a donor, it was discovered that he had high blood pressure. Sean subsequently discovered that he was suffering from stage two hypertension, a condition that could have been potentially life threatening. He is now on medication to control it. In Sean’s words, “I was zooming to stroke or heart attack land, not even knowing it! Such a chain of events is definitely part of God’s mysterious ways!” I agree wholeheartedly.
Another young man wrote to tell us that he was suffering from depression and close to committing suicide when he learned about Aimee. Her situation caused him to reexamine his own life, adjust his attitude and stop feeling sorry for himself. Another life changed.
When I stopped by United Community Bank a couple of weeks ago, a man approached me in tears and told me what an inspiration Aimee had been to his son. He said his son had torn his ACL in football practice and was moping about how he might never play football again. When his son learned about Aimee, he apologized to his father and said, “here I am complaining about my knee when Aimee has lost her leg.” He said his son’s attitude change helped to strengthen his resolve and pushed him harder in his efforts to rehab his injured knee. I think that’s awesome.
I see stories like this every day and it brings to my mind that scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9. God’s power is being made perfect through Aimee’s weakness. He is using Aimee to reach others who need hope and inspiration.
This past week Aimee had struggled mightily. Although her condition had improved significantly, her pain has been considerable. Phantom pain now plagues her “hands”. Although she has no hands, her brain is apparently still telling her body that the hands are there. If you recall, I told you that her fingers had necrotized and that her hands were puffy and purple. That is what she now feels. I asked her if she could describe the pain and she told me, “it feels like I have been carrying bags of rocks.” Wow. Imagine carrying bags of rocks for days on end and never being able to release them. You know how your fingers freeze up and you want to extend them? She can’t do that. She said her “fingers” feel contorted and twisted. Nothing really helps her pain much. Some of the pain medication makes her sick to her stomach and she winds up vomiting. Like I said, she has struggled mightily.
It is amazing the things we take for granted. How about the ability to scratch the inside of your own ear? How about the ability to go to the bathroom when you want? To type a keyboard? To use a remote control? To simply take a successful step? If you can do all those things, you are blessed. Aimee can do none of them. How do you think that makes her feel? Not so good.
This past week the proverbial poopy hit the fan for Aimee. She was lashing out at her care givers, she was in pain, she was sick to her stomach, she was unable to tend to her own basic needs and she was very unhappy. She had every right to be unhappy. By Thursday afternoon, Aimee’s misery had come full circle. She knew that many things were beyond her control and that fighting those who cared for her was not the solution. She prayed and meditated on this and she told me she was overcome by peace. She realized that she had to give in to something much bigger than herself. I asked her what she meant and she said that she surrendered her will and submitted to the will of God. She knew that anger was not the answer. She knows that God is in control.
On Friday Aimee’s nurses noticed that Aimee had returned back to her normal sweet self. They were perplexed and questioned whether a change in her medications was the reason. We know the real reason. Prayer has changed and will continue to change much over the coming days, weeks, months and years.
As for Aimee’s general medical condition, please allow me to relate the following update:
– Her lungs are now healthy. The ventilator has been out of her room for nearly two weeks now.
– She once had a plethora of tubes running into her body, perhaps as many as 16 IVs. She now has 2.
– She is making 100cc of urine an hour on her own. The normal rate is 30cc. She is off dialysis for now.
– The doctors removed her trache on 5/27 and replaced it with a trache cap so she could talk. Yesterday they removed the trache cap and bandaged her neck. The tracheotomy should close within 5 days.
– Her wounds continue to require debridement before skin grafts can adhere successfully. There may be 2-3 more of these procedures before grafts may commence.
Considering that Aimee was once the “sickest person in ICU”, according to one doctor, she has come a long way. Her survival is a blessing and her continued pace of recovery is a testament to the power of prayer. That those same prayers have healed the wounded bodies and souls of many Americans is no coincidence. That is how God works.
God bless you all!
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Your family is bigger than you’ll ever know now. God bless.
Amen…
Amen!
Amen! C’mon everybody, let’s all pray that Aimee can feel her hands relaxing and her fingers stretching. If we all concentrate on this, I think Aimee will get some relief.
I just want to say that sometimes we feel down, and then you think of Aimee, who is suffering like no other, every day, and it makes you re-evaluate things. I read up on how Aimee is doing and my heart truly goes out to her, and her family! I can’t even possibly imagine what this must be like but I will continue thinking of her and pray for her, and i truly hope this messag egets through and that she continues healing, she is quite an inspiration. I definitely hope for some relief for Aimee!
It would be nice to “set up” a specific time when many of us could concentrate together in helping her heal more….I think of her (I have a daugter same age) every day…and I set my time to concentrate on her and help her heal….but the ideal situation would be to have more than one person do it. Warmest regards to her family….and thank you for having the courage and presence of mind to share what you are going through with so many of us. Your experience only help us bring us closer to what is important and what is not in our lives…..and that is a great gift…
Amen to that request….just read your comment, stopped and said a prayer that Aimee will feel her hands relax and that the pain should only be replaced by God’s peace.
Praying in Dacula. God bless Aimee and her family.
one day at a time. where 2 or more are gathered prayers are answered. wise and stoic family.
please read this article in Scientific American about using mirrors to reduce phantom limb pain
scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-mirror-cure
Admirable
In God’s hands
Magnificent
Endlessly amazing
Extraordinary
God Bless You Aimee!!!!! 🙂
God is good. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
My heart goes out to all of you. We think we have problems till we read stories like yours. Makes me know how blessed I really am. Thank you for sharing.
After recovering breathing-, talking-, drinking-, eatingsoftfoods- and urine-functions, and still some skinproblems to solve it seems the time
has come to pray also for a miracle about the lost limbs pains.
Your European friends think about you every day untill full recovery.
Amen! Huge hearts, each and every one of you!
Aimee is on the mend! Praise God!
Infected parts need not be amputated. The part is subjected to high temperatures like 45- 90 degree Celsius, low temp steam, IR heaters, this will kill the bacteria. Follow this method Daily 4-5 times for 1hour along with prescribed antibiotics. Use local anesthesia for heat sensitivity pains when using high temperatures. In 3-4 days time the disease will be cured.
Dead tissue will not heal… The doctors would have never amputated if it was not absolutely necessary to save Aimee’s life. The dead tissue would eventually turn in to gangrene and would spread blood poison throughout Aimee’s body. The doctor’s are doing all they can to save her life.
Aimee is in our thoughts and prayers. I can’t imagine what she is going through physically. I’m sure she is grieving for the life she had, but she has such a wonderful support system. I was hit by a car (as a pedestrian) last year, and joked while in the icu, trying to keep my spirits up, eventually the anger came.She is an amazing young woman.
I’ve been feeling pressed in my spirit to tell the Copeland family about a supplement called SilverSol. Dr. Gordon Pedersen and team discovered this naturally occuring element (silver in a water base). Please check out info on this produc and I pray it will help Aimee.
silversol.soundconcepts.com/pedersen.aspx
Beliving for your entire family’s healing, strength and peace by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen
AMEN, Tony! Bigger than perhaps you will ever know, Aimee!! You remind me of my own daughter (Amy!) and I can see you are as big a blessing to your father as my Amy is to me! GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU BOTH!!
Aimee….I have never in my life faced anything like what you are going through…..I cannot even begin to understand or comprehend it either….I can say that the trivial things I face everyday are easier now because of your fight….whether it be a cranky child or my car not starting….I feel as if you are an angel on Earth to teach us all humility and understanding….I feel blessed when I read your stories and feel stronger when you feel stronger……I am very proud of everything you have done to fight this and am thankful you are gaining your health….I thank you for the strength you have shown because I now have my own strength renewed…..I was scared for you from day one and now have renewed sense of faith after reading all you have achieved…..you are a psych major and I feel you have guided me more in a few short weeks than any psychologist I have ever met with….I feel blessed to have known your story and pray for you daily…..You are a wonderful woman with a strong family and you are truly a miracle…..Thank You…Heather F…..Geneva Ohio
Aimee….I have never in my life faced anything like what you are going through…..I cannot even begin to understand or comprehend it either….I can say that the trivial things I face everyday are easier now because of your fight….whether it be a cranky child or my car not starting….I feel as if you are an angel on Earth to teach us all humility and understanding….I feel blessed when I read your stories and feel stronger when you feel stronger……I am very proud of everything you have done to fight this and am thankful you are gaining your health….I thank you for the strength you have shown because I now have my own strength renewed…..I was scared for you from day one and now have renewed sense of faith after reading all you have achieved…..you are a psych major and I feel you have guided me more in a few short weeks than any psychologist I have ever met with….I feel blessed to have known your story and pray for you daily…..You are a wonderful woman with a strong family and you are truly a miracle…..Thank You…Heather F…..Geneva Ohio
I’m sorry to hear what happened to your daughter. I’m a survivor myself, but I didn’t have a flesh eating bacterial infection. No limbs cut, but my skin got damaged, a bit like I had been burned. I had both a virus and a bacteria do that to me. Also some eye damage. So I know a bit about suffering.
All this has made me an atheist. I’m not American and my parents were mostly just very liberal Christians. During my recovery, they never spoke about God. However..I went on my way to search for Him on my own. After twenty years I concluded it’s no use.
What your daughter needs is you, tangible things. Just remember that. I sincerely hope she can find all the strength she needs to fight this.
Dear Gaia,
Please don’t stop searching for God. I have suffered for years with chronic pain, but only God has seen me through. I have a very supportive Christian family, but God is my true source of strength and comfort. God is close to you. You only have to give Him your heart and your life. Just pray and ask God to come into your life. Confess your sins and ask for forgiveness and ask God to be the Lord of your life. You will not believe the incredible peace that will overcome you. Christians aren’t promised a trouble free life, BUT God does promise to see us through the bad and rough times if we hold on to Him. God will never leave you or forsake you!!! Please give God a try. You will not be sorry! I believe it is GOD that is seeing Amiee and her family through this difficult time and will be her source of life and strength for the future. Love in Christ, Patsy
Continue to stay centered under Gods will, with total submission, just as Aimee said. Total submission because God Is In Control Of everything He created, and He created her with SO much love. He also knows your pain (He suffered on the cross) and it pains Him 1000 fold what we feel. What He has done is use you Aimee to help MULTITUDES of His people whom He knew would need you at this very time in history. You are Glorifying Jesus Aimee, glorifying God 24/7. I do wish it were not this way for you though. God Bless You. You are in my Prayers….Kem W. Spartanburg, SC
Love,hugs and Prayers and hope your pain will go away soon…..
Praise God! He is SO Good! Still praying for Aimee and your family!
I would just like to say that I have followed this story from the very beginning. What is so tragic is that in each of her pictures, when she is smiling for the camera, she never dreamed her life would become as it is now.I guess I’ve asked GOD a thousand times how and why did this happen. I keep coming up with the same answer.. that HE chose Aimee because she was a strong person and GOD knew it and her life is an example for all of us. Having the tragedy of life leave her as she is now, she will always have to have someone near her at all times, other than GOD.I wish for that person to be strong for Aimee and be able to give her the guidance she needs whenever times get so bleak for her. Praying for this young girl. I have a daughter a little older than
Aimee. Her name is Katie. Katie has a unique illness in which her stomach is paralyzed and the nutrition that she needs does not always get to her as it should. She is doing the best she can with her disorder. Sometimes she gets pretty low but we have nothing to compare to this young girl when it comes to problems. I will be praying for this family.. for Aimee… for her parents, her sister, her friends.. that maybe not in this world we can understand the whys and wherefores,
but there is a life after this one greater than no man on this earth ever trod. Will be praying for all of you who are in contact with this sweetheart of all the days on earth.. that GOD will be with her in her weakest moments and that she will find the strength to go on. GOD bless you all… nancy milam-still
You’re in my prayers, Aimee!
Dear Copeland family-Dear Aimee
My heart goes out to you for I myself have suffered from Necrotizing Fasciitis!!
In march this year I was brought into hospital already nearly dying!
I was infected via a mosquito bite on my left breast…hours later parts of my back muscles were infected, too! My major organs started to fail and I went through several operations and amputations- but I’m sure I don’t need to tell any further for now…you know all the things that follow yourself! Sadly I live in Germany- otherwise I would have come and said hello myself! If by any chance you read this please, please say hello for me to Aimee and tell her to BE BRAVE!!! Life is worth fighting for!
With all my heart
Iris
Do you know what the word Aimee means in French?
In French it would be ” aimée “.
It means: ” She who’s presence is loved by all the others “.
God bless Aimee and your family! Prayers to you all! God is good!
I’ve been following this story about your sweet daughter from the beginning. And as many I have prayed for aimee and the rest of her family. God IS so GOOD! I am so inspired as many, by your daughter’s strength, and the strength of the family. May God continue to heal Aimee, and to comfort her as she continues through this struggle. Thankyou for sharing God’s miracles with us all.
You spoke for me too, Susan!!! AMEN to all you said!! I won’t forget to pray for Aimee and her family!!! God bless the family and you too!! I am praying especially that the “pain in her hands” will go away!!
Oh, and Happy Anniversary, Andy and Donna!!! May you have many wonderful years together with your family!!!! You give me courage in my life!!! God is so very good!!!!
What an inspiration your family is! Suddenly, the fact that I only have 20% kidney function and am on the transplant list seems so trivial. My life is not over, I will live it..Aimee’s life is not over, she will live it. She will help people all over the world realize that the trials we face are nothing compared to some that others are facing.
Stay strong sending prayers
I’ve been thinking of you and your family and praying. Keep the faith and know you are being carried by His strong arms.
May you all continue to feel G-d’s care and comfort. Peace.
God bless you and your family. I am so happy to hear that she is doing so much better. I also appreciate you writing and sharing the updates, even though you have enough going on. You still find time to let us all know how everyone is doing ! I admire you and your family’s strength and love ! I’ll keep praying for you all and keep you close in my thoughts ! Oh and Happy Anniversary !!!! Keep up the amazing family love you all have 🙂 xoxoxo
Aimee has blessed many people’s lives, it seems, thank goodness! May she continue to heal quickly and be a blessing in all of our lives! I love reading your blogs/updates! Thank you for continuing through all of your families healing! God Bless!
I know she has a tough road a head of her. Tell her to be strong and try and be brave.. Although I do not know her, Aimee has touched my soul. I will continue to pray for her..
chris–policeman from Jax, Fla
She is a true inspiration. God bless Aimee and her family. Words cannot express the miracle that God has provided but I celebrate with you all!
Thinking of you all… God is Good!
I have been following Aimee’s story closely. I am happy to hear that she found peace within and is on the mend! I will still continue to pray for her recovery. I grew up in the South and could identify with Aimee on many things. It could have been me or my sister that were in an accident like that and it could have been us who had that terrible bacterial infection. Like many others that you spoke about above, what struck me with Aimee was her perseverance! One of my favorite quotes that I use as a signature on all of my emails that go out is the following “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins- not through strength but by perseverance.” God Bless Aimee and your family!
Thank you for sharing your journey and your testimony with the world! When I was in college, I took a psychology class where we learned about phantom limbs. I would love to recommend a book, if you are interested. It’s called Phantoms of the Brain and you can find it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Phantoms-Brain-Probing-Mysteries-Human/dp/0688172172
It’s an easy and interesting read and includes studies on how some have alleviated their phantom limb pain by “tricking the brain” into thinking the limb(s) are there.
Praising God for Aimee’s recovery thus far! God bless you all.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Aimee. She has struggled with the loss of limb as well as the lose of things she can do for herself. She now surrenders to God, and gives the control to Him.
I will keep Aimee and your entire family in my daily prayers.
Thank you for sharing your daughters life with us. You are an amazing family.
Happy Anniversary!
Debbie
AMEN DEBBI THEY R A VERY AMASING FAMILY GOD CONTINUE TO HEAL N BLESS IN JESUS NAME
We are continuing to pray for Aimee- “in prayer we take our stand beside her, so she won’t be alone” ( borrowed from a song by M Card called Fellow Prisoners).
We are also lifting up the Parents as well– that the Lord may give you the Grace needed during these times of trial.
This whole situation wasn’t an accident Aimee– nothing is an accident, or even ‘allowed’. We can’t see the reason right now, but the Lord has a mission and job cut out for you. Nothing happens by chance.
You’re in my prayers.– and my families.Please keep us posted.
AMEN
She must be so frustrated….trying to get use to such terrible changes in her body. We do take things…simple things for granted. She has definately come a long way and so very far to go….her courage is beyond anything I could imagine. She is my hero. Life can change in an instant. I’m sorry she has to be faced with such mountains! Elvis Presley sang a song about terrible trials. Lord…you gave me a mountain this time…it isn’t a hill any longer…you gave me a mountain…..this time. It’s beautiful…maybe Aimee would like to hear it.
The moment of prayer and meditation that Amy succumbed to was/is relevant to progressive healing. You have to inevitably make that choice to move forward in your recovery. When I awoke after my accident and learned of my extensive injuries the choice to either wallow in self pity and misery or stay positive is what either gives you the drive to either succeed or fail. Good luck Copeland family and know you all have truly inspired the world.
Everyday I look for the update on Amiee, it brings me BIG smiles when there is progress, no matter how big or small. She inspires me as you do with your postings. I think of your family and all the people that are involved in this journey and I will continue thinking and praying for you all.
Ah… such blessings. God is awesome, God is amazing… always!
I will continue to send prayers for your wonderful Aimee.
Dear Copeland family, to hear that Aimee is putting everything on the Lord’s shoulders is amazing! I think most of us would take longer to realize we weren’t really in control and to give our hearts to the only thing that will matter. To have peace, it is such an over used, understated word. True peace, there is nothing like it. For Aimee, she has so much on her shoulders. For some reason, the Lord felt Aimee could handle all of this and has greater plans for her.
I look forward to see what Aimee does with this new life of hers and how she shows others that by trusting the Lord, anything is possible. Make no mistake about it. Aimee Copeland has a very special purpose on this earth!!!
God bless you all!
Michelle
My heart and my prayers are with your family and Aimee. You all stand strong in my eyes. Praise God that Aimee was blessed with you and your wife as parents. Some parents would have given up and chosen the easy road for Aimee instead of fighting for her. Your verse in Corinthians is perfect. I too needed that verse today as I go thru helping my elderly Mother get back on her feet after a severe fall that has damaged her bone marrow and caused a concussion.
Happy Anniversary to you and Donna.
Alice Wisniewski
Lubbock, Texas
Thank you for sharing more about Aimee and all she has gone through. She is such an inspiration to many of us out here who believe He has a better plan for her. I’m constantly reminded of Romans 5:3 when I think of Aimee, and where she is, and where she is headed.. ” We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” God Bless.
Aimee’s story is an inspiration. Here’s a woman that has one of the worst conditions in the known world, and she’s soldiering on. A lot of us would’ve given up over less. And I hope that just as her story inspired many people, that she is also inspired by them.
Much love from the DR.
God bless you, your family and especially Aimee. She is so brave and I have been following her story since it first broke on CNN. Please keep updating your facebook. I skim past many stories, but when you post about Aimee, I stop and read! Praying for her recovery!
Thank you so much for this blog. I do not know how people without faith make it through any situation much less something like this. God has many plans for Aimee. I am amazing by her strength and determination, with God’s grace she will be able to do anything. I am continuing to keep Aimee and her family and friends in my daily prayers.
We serve a great God and nothing is impossible with Him. Aimee is learning and teaching others what it means to fully surrender and to trust our Heavenly Father. Difficult times may lie ahead, but He is greater. He never leaves nor forsakes His children, and He will walk Aimee through it all and be her guide, companion, and friend. We thank God for all the progress and praise Him for Aimee’s continued healing and strengthening. It’s one day at a time. What praise and what glory she will be able to give one day in the future! She will look back and see His footprints and recognize His hand in everything.
You know it’s easy for all of us ‘normal’ people to tell someone like Aimee to hang in there. We have no idea, nor will we, of what she will go through. You hit it right with the verse in Corinthians. This is a job for a higher power. God bless Aimee, you and your family.
As soon as I heard about your daughter’s condition I prayed for her then I brought it up during prayer requests at Church–so our small Church has been and will continue praying for her!
Agape’,
Vic
Dear Copeland family,
My late wife,Amy had Necrotizing Fasciitis also back in 2007-I pray everyday for your daughter..how many surgeries has Aimee had?My wife had 12 surgeries..11 surgical debridements and 1 total skin graft -the surgery lasted 4.5 hours that day..we love y’all!
The surgeries…wow…how many? I think she’s had about 6 total surgeries, more if you count the tracheotomy and the filter insertion (to prevent embolism). She has at least 2-3 more debridements and then multiple skin grafts. This is just a reminder that she has a long hard road ahead of her, but she’s strong and faithful and determined. She will be fine, but it will take time.
I’m sorry about your wife. I know the toll this takes on the family and I hope and pray that you have been able to overcome your pain. God bless you.
May I ask you something maybe inapropriate but… did they keep her legs and hands frozen somewhere anyway?
You never know the future of medicine.
Regards
awsomely inspirational!
Amazing, uplifting unbelieveable story and the outcome, not just Amiee’s are little miracles. Thank you for sharing, sending prayers on a daily basis…..when you or a family member is stricken w/ any severe issue your life changes forever. We lost my 8 1/2 month old niece in April, her courage, fight and will to survive has changed me forever, and I will carry that and her with very close….keep fighting your fight Amiee. God Bless.
I have been reading as much as I can about Aimee. Just hearing about what she has gone thru and will continue to go thru has made it so that I do not focus on my failing health as a definite soon death but rather it has made me to want to live and try to prove all the doctors wrong. Yes God is in control and I am glad to have Him back in my life. Thank you,
Millie
I’m so glad your anniversary was a happy one. I have a genetic tumor disorder called neurofibromatosis (The Learning Channel had a segment about it last night although I don’t get that channel…) which causes horrific pain all the time. Aimee’s story, her strength and her humor is an inspiration to see. Bless you all!
I’m inspired. I’m challenged. I’m challenged to walk the walk of Faith. My Niece in law, her Sister a year ago got bruises on her arm. They hurt. Painful. She went to ER to have them looked at. They weren’t right. They admitted her and the bruises started getting blisters on them. They would pop. They would eat her flesh away. They moved her to the burn unit. Same thing. It was so painful for Jamie. She was only 23. Beautiful blonde. Reminds me so much of Aimee in the “looks”. Eventually because they didn’t know what was going on with her, the doctors decided that it was hereditary. A gene in her body. Yet years past no one had even had a slight anything of this nature. I feel they gave up. This disease ate through Jamie’s body. Muscles, Tendons..to her bones. Nothing worked. Skin graphs wouldn’t work. May 16, 2011, 10 days before her 24th B’day, Jamie passed away. I praise God for the understanding that Aimee has of who God is. I praise God no one gave up on Aimee. I realize there is a long road for her ahead. A long road for you as parents, friends and family. I pray for you all daily in my prayer time. Knowing the God of all creation does in fact know what He’s doing. For a greater purpose. We can not comprehend…but God knows and in that gives us peace…knowing that all things work together for the good of them that love him and are called according to HIS purpose…not our purpose..but HIS purpose. Thank you for sharing your heart…I’m blessed. I’m encouraged..continued prayers always..~Diane~
Diane,
My heart mourns for your loss. Your story is one reason we are truly thankful that Aimee has survived. We are reminded daily of the fragility of life. A young man Aimee’s age has been here in the burn unit for 201 days, but his condition has only deteriorated over that time. Today his life hangs in the balance. I cannot understand why things like this happen. I trust that God’s plan is perfect and I will submit to that plan. I praise God for saving Aimee and I look forward to the day that she can begin to help others in need.
God bless you,
Andy
Happy Anniversary!!! My husband and I share our anniversary date with you, and we celebrated 24 years yesterday. Thank you for your posts about Aimee. I continue to pray for her and how God is going to use her in this new chapter of her life.
Beautiful Aimee!! I could list all of my ailments, and embarrassingly admit that sometimes when I’m in pain I DO feel sorry for myself. You however, have (innocently) made me feel so guilt ridden and wallowing in self pity. If you can come back from this nothing will be able to hold you back! I don’t know you personally, but I DO love you and hope and pray that everything gets a little better for you every single day – you are awesome! love Fiona in Cairns, Queensland AUSTRALIA
Mr. Copeland, you are an inspiration to me. As a parent myself, I question whether I would have the strength you’ve shown through your writings. I admire you. I admire the strength your beautiful daughter Aimee has to keep waking up every day. God Bless you and your family and your continued strength.
Love, Debbi
BEHOLD the power of GOD! Aimee is truely a miracle! I know first hand the pain that you are experiencing as a parent. In July 2010, my 20 year old daughter was involved in a devasting ATV accident. She was life-flighted to Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX where. Upon our arrival, we were told she would not live through the night due to the extensive injuries to her lungs, heart and liver. We were told that if, by some miracle, she survived the night, then she would succome to her injuries (due to oxygen depravation) within the following 12-24 hours. 2 years later, she’s still with us – a living, breathing, working, happy, 22 year old loving every minute of the life that GOD saw fit to return to her. We know that her recovery is nothing short of a miracle and was only possible through the power of prayer. My heart goes out to you, Aimee and the rest of your family. Stay strong for Aimee and continue to keep us all updated on her progress! God Bless you all!
Andy’s posts are a wonderful gift of us who share in prayers for Aimee and her family. Thank you so much not just for medical updates but also for sharing your personal experience with this unimaginable ordeal. There but for chance and circumstance go any one of us. What devastates one parent, devastates all parents and while we can’t all share in the task before you, we can continue to pray that your joys outnumber your sorrows.
Angie,
You know exactly what we experienced that first night at the JMS/Doctors Hospital. Aimee was in ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and we were told she might not survive the night. How does a parent handle a situation like that? There’s only one place I know to look. ^^^^
God has been good to you as well. Thank you for sharing your testimony of the power of prayer. God bless you!
Andy
I believe Aimee should be a true insperation to everyone, she has overcome so many obsticles and still she holds her head up high and praises God! She is an amazing woman that I wished I had, had the chance to meet, she seems so friendly someone that you could become instant friends with! I pray that she continues to recover everyday and may her life be an insperation to everyone, she truely is a blessing… I wish her well and pray for her… Take care and tell her that I am thinking about her even though she doesn’t know me.. Sincerely, Tammy McKinney
Aimee I have been following your dads blogs on your progress! you have come along way and I continue to pray for you! you are such a strong woman. I have truly been inspired by your story. keep up the strength and your path to getting better!
Thank you for the updates. Is there a place I can send a card/letter or something? I am very glad to see that she is getting better, and I hope that she continues to.
I think of Amy and your family often. I wondered how such a young beautiful girl could survive such devastation to her world. Your blog has answered that question. May her continued health success carry over in her mental health when dark days are upon her. God has a plan for Amy. Be well Amy and Amy’s family.
I cast the evil spirit of pain out of Aimee’s body in the name of, and in the blood of, Jesus Christ. I rebuke that spirit and command it to go to the abyss and not return – all under the authority of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Claudia, you sound like a lunatic.
It is the medical attention, medicines, and surgeries that are saving Aimee’s life. Nothing more, nothing less.
Ashley, why are your comments so nasty? Not happy with you, I am not interested in your personal beliefs… you have stepped over the line, & as a doctor & surgeon I feel that is disrespectful to the girl that is fighting her best. You are lucky this is not in person, because I would not allow this kind of behavior.
James, I’m not interested in your personal beliefs, either. Being a doctor and a surgeon doesn’t make you an expert in theology or give you the authority to “allow” or disallow other people to make statements that you disagree with. As you embark onto your medical career, you need to know from the beginning that having an MD or surgical training doesn’t put you above anyone else. So get over yourself.
If you want to express concern that comments like this could hurt a patient’s morale, that’s fine, but I’d suggest that you find a way to do so that’s not so arrogant.
That being said, I agree that Ashley didn’t put her response to Claudia very nicely, but I had a similar reaction to the “casting out evil spirits” post.
Whatever you say Colleen. You do not know me as a person, & I am hurt by your comments. Arrogant? I will always fight for people that are in need, & have given more of my life than you could possibly understand in the efforts of helping people. But it doesn’t really matter to you anyways. I am not an expert in Christian theology, but probably know more than most because I have studied history closely. I treat all people from all beliefs, the same. I am not interested in judging a person for their beliefs, & some of my best friends are from other faiths. So you can say whatever you want, but we’ll see in the end who acted in the spirit of Jesus.
=)
CLAUDIA AMEN IN JESUS NAME
Thank you God for her remarkable spirit, keep the Good News Coming!
I pray for your daughter and family every day and I will continue to do so.
My prayers are with you all as your family goes through this journey. Aimee, you are an inspiration, and I know you will continue to be the strong, talented young woman you are. Get well, keep smiling. You are beautiful.
Thank you for the update. My live is forever changed because of Aimee. I am sad for Aimee’s journey but know our time here is but a blink and her reward will be awesome.
God is good all the time
He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night, His light will shine
God is good, God is good all the time
If you’re walking through the valley
And there are shadows all around
Do not fear, He will guide you
He will keep you safe and sound
‘Cause He’s promised to never leave you
Nor forsake you and His Word is true
We were sinners – so unworthy
Still for us He chose to die
Filled us with His Holy Spirit
Now we can stand and testify
That His love is everlasting
And His mercies – they will never end
Lord I may not understand
All the plans He left for me
My life is in your hands
And through the eyes of Him I can clearly see
Thank you for updating us on Aimee’s condition and I’m so glad to hear of her remarkable recovery! Our God is so faithful and good! I will continue to pray for your sweet family. Your testimony is an inspiration for my faith. My first grandchild was born about four weeks early and had to be in the nicu for about two weeks. Then at 16 months had open heart surgery for repair of a heart defect. I knew that the only thing that I could do was give her to God and pray, pray, pray. A lot like you, I asked everyone I knew that I thought really would, to pray also. What a blessing that He brought her through the surgery perfectly.
May the Lord continue to bless your family!
Thank you for the update. I pray for Aimee as well as my wife and daughter Chloe. We are all happy to hear that she is doing much better than 2 weeks ago. Following your story has put many things in our life into perspective and we feel Blessed with what we have to encounter in our day to day lives. We don’t always find out what God’s plan is for the things that happen to us, but there IS a plan and I’m sure Aimee is touching many many more lives than she will ever know. 10 years form now, you will look back on these days and know it had a hand it the splendor that is waiting for you. May God continue to Bless your family.
To God be the glory! I continue to think about and pray for your family daily. Aimee’s strength is amazing and inspiring. I pray that God will continue to bless, heal and use her story to reach others. Thanks for the update and Happy Anniversary!
Sonja
God bless Aimee and your whole family. We think off you all and pray often.
Thank you for taking the time to share Aimee’s story and how this experience has changed all of your lives. God will continue to you you in a mighty way, I’m sure! Blessings to you and your house and thanks again. ~Terrie Carpenter
Continued prayers for Aimee and her family. God is good and He can and will turn your trials into Triumph! It’s so wonderful to read how He is using Aimee for good and I’m sure that this precious angel (which presents in all forms) of our Heavenly Father will continue to bless and He will heal her and make her whole again! Medical advances are amazing, but it’s so evident that The Great Physcian is truly in control!
Prayers, Strength and Christian Love from beautiful North Carolina!!
Oh, and Happy Anniversary!!
God Bless you Aimee and family. You are truly an inspiration.
Sure u r aware already, but Walter Reed Army Hospital can be a tremendous source of info on how to deal w mulitple amputations aftermath. I have read that many Docs and perhaps family turn to them since US Army has best store of knowledge abt this situation.
My cousin who had his leg blown off in Afghanistan and may lose the other one, has a Buddy who has nothing below his hips. He is looking good!
Thank the good Lord they had the expertise and knowledge WR offered.
Just another source suggestion for your awareness.
God be with you all. I pray for all of you, especially your beautiful girl, every single day.
Regards,
Jan Durham
Aimee and all of you have touched our hearts. The most important thing is to never give up and live life to its fullest no matter what obstacles get in your way. Below is a story from 1995. My wife came down with TOXIC SHOCK and was comatose for quite sometime. Hopefully this provides inspiration for all of you. Feel free to contact us for support.
articles.philly.com/1995-11-24/news/25682470_1_toxic-shock-rare-complication-menstruating
Just imagine how powerful your testimony and her testimony will be in the near future!
We have been praying for you, your family, and Amiee for a while. I have not left a blog until now as I feel compelled to do so. My 12 son hurt his shoulder and lower back, he is a pitcher for his baseball team, and a good one. He was feeling sorry for his self as he hurt his lower back trying not to use his shoulder so much, so now two injuries…. I made him sit down beside me and the computer and I have been reading your blog to him. He had a tear in his eye and said I will not feel sorry for myself anymore… I will do my PT and know I will get stronger and better. I gave him the mom 123 speech, but I left him with this… Will over skill, Tres (my sons name..)… Gen 24:12.. Grant me success today , I pray thee…. Know that God’s will is the highest of highs and in all things do to the glory of God, through your sufferings and victories, God will have control. Will over Skill….. God bless you and prayers will continue… God is Great!!
God bless you guys. Btw – phantom pain is neurological and can be treated from that standpoint with Lyrica or another of that type of med. Check with doc. Blessings and prayers – thanks for sharing.
Your daughter’s faith is so beautiful. I am so thankful for you all and the light of God that you are carrying to the world. You have truly been an inspiration and I praise God for His Word, that we have to cling to in times of pain and struggle. His Word is TRUTH and His name is power. I don’t know you, but I love you and our family will be praying for you and for Aimee, daily. Peace be with you- His sweet, gracious peace.
Good morning. Aimee so glad to hear you are doing better. Yes, God is in control. Also, you have made a life change for me..I have an illness, suffering chronic pain and many other issues, but I look at you and tell myself that Aimee is suffering so much more and I have learned not to complain about things. Stay strong, Aimee.
Dear Aimee……I read this and get so emotional…..the insignificant daily downers I go through ever since opening a practice is nothing compared to your strength. I am so thankful that your father is keeping this blog…I really have no other words than to say you will be in my daily prayers….we say our prayers with our son Niko every night and add “Jesus please help Dida (his grandfather who is ill) feel better…..tonight, I am going to ask him to also say “Jesus, keep Aimee strong!!” You truly are an inspiration!!!!!!! God BLess you!! Love and all the best to you, Anna
GOD BLESS AIMEE AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUS ALL,YOUS ARE IN MY PRAYERS, HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, IF THERES ANYTHING I CAN DO PLEASE LET ME KNOW, EVEN IF ITS JUST TO TALK , XOXOXO TO YOUR FAMILY,
May God carry you, Amy, and meet your every need above and beyond.
Thank you for sharing your story, God is awesome and while we can not imagine the struggle Aimee is going through, God can and does. He is our ultimate comforter. My prayers are lifted to Him and I thank Him for you, so many will hear His voice through your story. God bless and Happy Anniversary!
I have been following Aimee’s story since I first heard about it a while ago. What an inspiring family you have. God will sustain you through these trials and make you stronger. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. May God bless you all – from Eastern Canada.
aimee must of been a daddys girl because you sure have been so good to us on reports. i myself would not want to live like that. but they are many people even in worse shape. aimee is just so beautiful i know she will be alright. happy anniversary to you two. this to shall pass, things will get better and brighter so much sadness all around us. god is way up high he can see the whole picture where we can only see a small piece. we have to know and believe that every thing that happens is truely for a reason. much love to aimee from liberty, s.c.
This story has touched me as well and is making me rethink the way i live my life and plan to make my life better for me and Aimee. What satan has tried to take God has blessed. She does have hands and feet , they are the people her story has touched and changed. They walk for her and touch and pick up for her. God didnt do this to her but He sure is changing the outcome and changing lives. God has blessed her and your family.
I lost my faith in God a few years ago , however , because of your story , it is now coming back . Thank you , for helping me find my way again !
Your post really help me to keep the important things in life in the fore front of my life. I wrote to you earlier telling you about my husband (Jason Gunter) and a boating accident that resulted in the loss of his right hand and left leg in 1992. You should google him and see all of the things that he has accomplished since. At the time of his accident he was a firefighter. He returned to the FD after 3 month. He had to learn a new postion as HazMat assistant (which the FD pretty much created for him). He eventually became the Haz Mat coordinator. Not only learning all there was to know about Hazerdous Materials, but was teaching them to his fellow firefighters. In 1995 Jason left the firefighter to pursue law school where he finished in 2 1/2 years in the top 4% of his class. In apporx 2007, he had a running leg made. Since 2009 he has done any traithlons and inspired so many people. He truly is an inspiration to many people. I know that Amy is and will continue to be an inspiration as well. The world loves her and we will all be here to encourage her and give her the love and strength she needs to accomplish all her future goals. I feel your love for her through every word you write. I love the updates, thank you for sharing. Loree
God bless you dear child!! Your faith through this horrific ordeal has been such an increable inspiration to me and to many others as well. I can not even begin to imagine what its been like for you, and my heart aches for your suffering. But, the FAITH that You and your family have shown to the world, has brought glory to GOD. May God continue to touch and heal your body to His glory, in Jesus name…amen. My heart and my prayers are with you, dear child. And with your family as well~ Donna Wallace
Thank you for taking the time to post this update. Sometimes it’s so hard to hold on to biblical truths when we can’t see the immediate result we pray so hard for. From yoru blog, I can see that Aimee is and will continue to be used for God. My husband just last week has decided to get the help he needs to beat his alcohol and prescription drug addiction. It’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to live through. I appreciate your faithfulness during this time, as it encourages me to keep pressing towards the mark. While you are going through this most painful ordeal, it’s plain to see that you have the love of your family and the power of God seeing you through. Nothing is more valuable than that! God Bless, and please let me know if there is any specific way I can pray for your family. You all are a blessing to so many!!
I am always amazed at the strength that prayer has. My prayers continue for Aimee and your family. She is a wonderful example of Jesus and I pray that she will be well enough to come home soon.
Our God is a mighty God. Praise the Lord.
Check out if a Ketamine treatment is an option for her phantom pains. It’s used at military facilities for amputees and can have great success. I know there is a long hard road ahead for your daughter and your family, but your blog proves you all are ready for the task ahead!
Happy Anniversary. Please know that your family continues to be a source of inspiration for many. I am sure it is sometimes difficult to share all that you do, but I also believe it must help you to do so. I can’t imagine how difficult this has been for all of you, as you have all been part of this struggle. I truly believe that Aimee will do great things. I hope she knows how many people are sending her strength and love.
Hi,First off I want to send blessings upon blessings to you and your family.I have been following Aimee’s wonderful story of hope and recovery and have taken strength in God as well.Even though I am a Christian,it does not leave me out of feeling down and sad of my own family issues.I have a 14 yr anniversary coming up and shall spend it in a rehab with my husband who is fighting to save his legs and life.He is Diabetic and has struggled with this for years because of a food addiction.I have shared Aimee’s story with him in the hope that he to can find peace in God’s plan for his life.I so want a happy ending for both my husband and your little girl.May God continue to give you all comfort as you move on in the new day.Blessings and love.Cynthia Powers
Sometimes when bad things happen to people, it is so hard to understand just WHY. Why God would allow such to happen to our bodies which is a temple for him. I do know that in the end everyone will know the answer Why, and will know that it is indeed a Blessing and not a bad thing.I do know God has very special plans for Aimee. I pray that she will completly heal and be able to start a new life for herself.We all know God is a Loving God and everything that he allows to happen is for the good. I send my Blessings to your beaqutiful daughter. and again I pray God will heal her body inside out. God Bless you all. Beverly Nunz.
First off, Happy Anniverary to two awesome parents. Aimee is blessed to have you as well as you being blessed having Aimee and Paige. It is wonderful to read of her accomplishments but heartbreaking to read of her frustration. But with God, all things are possible. Reading about the lives that have been changed brings to mind lives that were changed by my own daughter’s illness and death 27 years ago this June 20th. I continue to pray for Aimee each day and so happy you are able to keep up this blog so we can stay informed. Peace and comfort is wished for your whole family.
Wonderful progress and great news. Your strong faith is an inspiration and I am sure a great help to your daughter as she continues to recover. I will continue to say prayers for your daughter. God Bless.
Dear Aimee,
I sit here struggling to find the right words to say about the mixed emotions I feel for you and your family. God has definitely shown his miraculous powers through your way of the cross.
I suffer from untreated anxiety and depression. I really want to work through it with out medications. When I find myself dwelling on what I consider a tragic in my life I think of you and tell myself I have NOTHING to complain about. That what I am going though is peanuts and petty. That God has more important things to deal with. Not to undermine what I am going through but, that it REALLY IS NOT a top priority. God WILL take care of me in His way and in His time. I pray that I could have the size of a mustard seed of the faith you have.
You have great parents, family and friends. A true blessing in itself. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
May God continue to bless you in all that you are and in all that you do.
Hi Jo-Anna ~ I too struggle with depression and anxiety. And, I treat it with medications. Taking medications is not a sign of weakness. They can be used as part of how you heal. I also take chemo and radiation for my terminal cancer. And, pain medications for the phantom pains that I have. I like Aimee, had to have my left leg amputated after contracting NF from stepping on a needle in my carpet. If I had diabetes, I would use Insulin. Please, don’t look at Anti-Depressants as something negative. Know that Depression and Anxiety are also medical conditions.
I will pray for you. Hugs ~ Jo
Aimee has allowed me to look at the world via a new perspective in the past few weeks. It is not what happens to us, but how we deal with it. I do believe that Aimee is now a superstar in this event. My prayers, hopes, and best wishes continue to follow Aimee and your family. This is not supposed to happen to a beautiful young person, but I will be waiting to see what will happen when she is home again with you both. Somehow, I suspect Aimee will be doing some mighty good deeds with her life. Love and light, from Kahlen.
Dear Copeland family,
I have been following your posts and I cannot tell you how amazed I am by your family’s strength. There is no way that I can even imagine what Aimee has been through, nor the upcoming challenges she has ahead of her. I believe that family is the most important thing in the world and having such a loving family behind Aimee will be what gets her through this. I am sending my prayers your way and will continue reading the updates on Aimee. She is a very courageous, beautiful soul.
Your family is being lifted up in prayer by Cedar Avenue Baptist Fellowship in NJ. God is good and is obviously using this situation for good in so many ways!
Aimee is an inspiration. To sing praises even in the midst of our sorrows, is really a testament to your family’s faith. It encourages me, as I am sure it does many others, to never take anything for franted and to know that God’s will be done. His plans are bigger than ours and while we may not know the whys in this lifetime, there will come a day when all questions will be answered. Thank you for being transparent and willing to share your faith with us. I will continue to pray for her speedy recovery and that God will use her in a mighty way! He has to…she hasn’t come this far for nothing 🙂 God bless you all!
I can’t read this and not cry……I am so touched….I can only hope to have a loving family such as your own. a gift from god is to have someone that loves you unconditionally and it seems thats exactly what god granted you. god bless and i shall keep her in my prayers as I have
Continued prayer and thanksgiving for Aimee!! His Grace IS sufficient! This is our temporary home. One day our bodies will be whole again; free of disease or any other ailment to live forever in Eternity!! One person who could relate to Aimee’s pain is Jesus! He suffered mightily through beatings, a crown of thorns, the piercing of His side and ultimately, crucifixion. He, like Aimee was innocent! You ALL are an inspiration to the rest of us! Thank you for sharing your lives! Prayer does change things! It is powerful beyond measure! God has major plans for Aimee’s life! Can’t wait to see what He has in store for her!!! Happy Anniversary to you and Donna! You deserve all the best! May God bless you all!!! Kelley 🙂
I can only say that I too have been going through many challenges and my faith is attacked hourly, but seeing this blog on my FB news feed this morning made me smile and cry..thank you. I continue to pray for Amy and your family. God has a bigger purpose for her than you know, can you remember
Joni Eareckson-Tada, if not…Google her:) I can remember her as a child and how awesome and strong she was and despite everything overcame the odds, and still today at 62 continues to help people. Your family’s journey has just begun and to be able to have such a close intimate relationship as I feel your family is having with our creator..well, I do not know that all of us are entrusted with such a bond. I know God loves us all but some he gives more authority and responsibilties…Luke 12:48. I use to see this as having financial implications but clearly it means so much more. I will continue to follow you because you and your family are truly an inspiration at one of the worst times in my life and I will forever be curious what God will do next:) May God continue to Bless You for his Glory truly shines through all of you.
Aimee, I have followed your story since the news first broke. I graduated from UGA in 2010 and though I don’t know you, I am sure our paths must have crossed. I have cried, worried and prayed for you. My fiance died our senior year of college and I became the youngest person I knew to have dealt with such trauma. God has given you a big load to bare, one that no one can fully understand but you, but your family and friends will help you carry it. You will find strength you didn’t know you had, you will touch people’s lives, and I am 100% positive that many, many years from now you will not only still be an inspiration to others, but you will be happy. There is always a light at the end of tunnel, no matter how dark it gets. Praying for you always Aimee. -Madison
God Bless you and your family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Also, Happy Anniversary to you both. XOXO
Happy Anniversary to two amazing parents. The power of prayer will always be underestimated. God is definitely working miracles through your family – you are changing the world through your selfless sharing of the incredible situation your family has been tasked with. May the good Lord continue to wrap his loving arms around you all and give you the courage to face each day with renewed strength and hope. Bless you Aimee Copeland! My heart breaks for you at the same time it is filled with joy and admiration for your grace and courage. Keep up the good work! Get well! 🙂
I sit here in tears reading of the spirit, strength, and power of this courageous young lady. I am so humbled to know that I myself have been feeling sorry for myself needlessly. I have fingers to scratch my ears, and legs to carry myself to the restroom. I have all my limbs, fingers, and toes. The one thing she has that I do not have, (but will find), is courage. She has the courage to push forward… come what may…and to take life by the horns. She also has the most caring, loving, and supporting network of family members and parents that I have ever seen.
Thank for keeping us updated! Though we have never met, your faith is an inspiration to us all. God bless!
You and your family are an inspiration to me. From the first day I read Aimee’s story my heart broke for her and prayed that she was going to be well soon. Your strength is amazing and helps me grow stronger in my faith in God. Thank you for sharing your story with us and for giving me hope that no matter how difficult things get God will always make it better..God bless you and your family..
God is awesome!! God bless your family!! Aimee is truly an inspiration to those who have overcome these circumstances!! May He continue to use Aimee to show the power of prayer.
Thanks so much for the encouraging update on Aimee. Each of you continues to be in our daily thoughts and prayers. God has an amazing plan for Aimee and there is no doubt that she will follow this plan and lead more people to God which is what this world needs.
I had a physical melt down of my own a couple of years ago, and I was bitter and depressed, which is so unlike me. It in no way was remotely as horrible as Aimee’s, and her ordeal has certainly put it in perspective for me. But I do know, that even when you cannot see things ever getting better, that doesn’t mean they won’t. Just try to stay strong, because she will need you.
Love and Aloha
Hello,
Your courage and strength is inspiring. I have been through much suffering over the
past six years after a Corp job loss. I had major depression and anxiety after learning what
my boss did to get me to leave an amazing job. I have been in 16 hospitals throughout the country
I have attempted to kill myself four times. It was horrible. I owe my life on this earth and my future
eternal life in Heaven to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I now am far away from the drinking, woman
and pursuit of money. Your daughter is a light in a world of darkness. She has been in my prayers and
will continue to be. I now am involved in a church that will be opening soon. I have a page
on Facebook called Biblical Counseling & Prayer Worldwide. We have members from 12 countries it’s a private
group. I would love to have you come on the page. There are prayer requests, counseling, postings, etc.
Where the spirit of the Lord is , there is freedom.
Aimee will be an inspiration to many, many people as God will use her to touch others.
May the peace, love, strength and joy of God be with you
through Jesus Christ.
Anthony aacampora3@gmail.com
Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences with us! What a generous thing to do, and by it, people all over the world will be inspired by Aimee and all of you.
There is so much to think and say about this experience. So much. It is just an incredible situation, and thank God we have the medical abilities available to help Aimee recover!
We can all relate to her feelings, because it is a staggering place you all find yourself. Yet, there has always been the likelihood of so much good coming from this terrible incident! I think, it is closest to say that even from my distant perspective, one can see the hand of God in her life, and the lives of you all. Clearly!
Please allow me to simply say that I see Amy in five years, finished with school, married, and with children, or at least, child. She will be doing wonderfully, and prosthetics are going to help make it possible.
She will be an inspiration to people all her life. But she has a life to live, and with her tenacity and God’s help, she will live it wonderfully! Great happiness will be hers, and yours.
“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has planned for those who love Him”.
God bless all of you.
Kathleen and family in Connecticut 🙂
Thank you for the continued updates and thank God for continuing to heal Aimee! I am encouraged, moved, inspired, and touch every time I read one of your blogs. Thank you opening up your feelings, emotions of your family during this difficult journey. Everyone has a story, but I would say her story has touched millions of lives and will continue to reach millions more. Aimee’s faith is what is keeping strong, able to fight the this is not fair spells, and to be able be at peace through her pain. Two years ago I was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer and lost my left kidney and have two tumors in my left in my right kidney and battle with Crohn’s disease and lost 27 inches of my intestines in March. One thing that I do know for sure is that God does use us in our weaknesses to draw closer to Him and reach other’s lives and bring them closer to Him. He uses our weaknesses fr His glory and in ways that blow our minds bc it is always better than we expected! I am comforted to know that she believes that God is her ultimate healer, peacemaker, joy giver, best friend, Heavely Father, and will continue working a miracle in her life. She is a true blessing and inspiration to many! I too wish things could be different, but I am truly touched by your families positive attitude and believing the Lord will continue to heal her! I have been and will continue to pray for Aimee, her doctors to have wisdom and knowledge, for your family to get the rest you need and to be encouraged daily that your baby girl is safely placed in God’s hands, and that Aimee remain at peace in her Heavenly Father’s presence and know that she is touching many lives and teaching them the best lessons in life. A lesson that says God hears our cries and prayers, is with us and loves usno matter what, He is a miracle worker and we owe it to Him to be faithful for the work to be done in our lives. Blessings and love.
i am not even sure I have anything to add, but I am here reading, and praying. God is working in my life, for that, and for you, I am thankful.
Aimee is truly an inspiration to all of us. To have been following this story since Aimee was injured makes me realize just how lucky I am and that with God in your life you can overcome. God Bless Aimee and your family. God works miracles, as you are a witness to.
What an amazing story of love and faith. Your family has inspired millions. It is by the great Grace of God that so much hope and sunshine can come out of tragedy. We continue to pray for you all and give thanks for Aimee’s progress to date.
Dear Copeland Family,
Please know that many hold you in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for continued healing and recovery.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and you family Aimee. You are a hero in my eyes, God is with you, I know that. I am so happy to know how far you come. I will continue to read about your progress and my heart will be with you. You have more strength than I can even image. I also feel that you will become the strength for others. God Bless you Aimee!
Sincerely,
The Harris family
Continued prayers for Aimee and your precious family. I pray for Aimee often. I’m thrilled to learn of her improvements. One step at a time. May God continue to watch over her, heal her body, spirit and mind. May He continue to watch over you and Donna, give both of you strength, patience, guidance, direction and healing. Much love from Mississippi
Lisa
Aimee has sincerely touched my heart since day 1..Ive looked forward to any updates since I found your story and Ive been touched by every single one. It amazes me how strong she is and how willing she is to fight for her own life. It is without doubt constant prayer and Gods word and presence in your family’s lives. Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
God bless you Copeland Family!
I have your fb on my account and am inspired by each update. Today, it went further. I stopped worrying about the basic “family, mom, keep moving forward in life” issues in this world. I turned off the music, stopped my “to do” list, and read the bible, my devotional, and prayed. God wants us to all slow down and focus on Him. Aimee and your devotion to her is acting as so many of our accountability. Thank you. We will continue to pray for Aimee and family. It’s easy to say it’s really about God and not what the worldly, but it’s hard to live that – and you are showing and sharing that you CAN live it. Hang in there Aimee – God has something in store for you that none of us can imagine.
Well done!
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations and I will be exalted in the earth”
AW
Happy Anniversary! What a blessing your marriage and family are during this extremely challenging time. Your testimony to the unbelievable power of prayer and God’s unfailing mercy has spoken to me immensely. Like the others who are following Aimee’s story closely, I suffer from my own set of daily challenges, however, I continually strive to “keep it all in perspective” by staying focused my blessings daily and being reminded that there are those whose burdens are much greater. Blessings to all of you and God continues to work miracles in your lives and especially the ultimate healing of Aimee.
Aimee has been such an inspiration. I have been praying for her since the start of all this. I work in a preschool.A couple years back we lost a preschool teacher to the same bacteria. I am so overjoyed at Aimees faith and great positive attitude.
I have Lupus (SLE) and had been down a long road.It started when I was 17 and I was finally diagnosed when I was 22. Since then I have had numerous surgeries,spent 2 years on diaylisis and had 2 heart valves replaced with mechanical valves and was blessed with a kidney transplant in December of 2000.Yes,there were days where I was not so pleasant and there still are days like that.I am happy to say that today I am celebrating my 41st birthday. I to know the power of prayer and am so thankful that Aimee is such a strong girl that she decided to take the route of prayer and a positive attitude. She is touching and changing sooooooooooo many lives. The lord is using her to do this and it is wonderful that she is surrendering to him. It took me a while to learn to do that.But now through what I have been through and experienced I am able to help others and do what I can to promote organ and tissue donation. I will continue to pray for and follow Aimees progress.Please let her know that whenever I start to get a bad attitude or feel grumpy I think of her and all she has endured and still has to adjust to and I realize just how very blessed I am. It is easy to forget how blessed we are sometimes and to get caught up in the things of this world. Daily thinking of and praying for Aimee helps to keep things in perspective. Thank you Aimee from a fellow grateful Georgian.
I Love your family mightily!
Aimee — your journey and courage is an inspiration to all who have been touched by your story. The power of prayer and your amazing family, and YOU has shown you the path of healing, hope, and courage. Every day is a gift.
You don’t know me, but I am someone who has been following your journey and think of you often.
Blessings,
Sara
I think about Aimmee every day. This story blows me away. I pray that G-d (continues to) give you all strength.
Aimee you are our angel, we think about you and pray for you every day! God Bless you 🙂
Happy Anniversary to you and Donna! Surely a match made in Heaven! Your family are truly blessed to be chosen by God to show His grace, His love and His power to the world. As horrible as this accident has been, God has been there with you every step of the way! Great things will come to Aimee, for our God is not a cruel God, but a loving God! He only chooses the ones that He knows can carry out His work. Aimee has paid the sacrifice, but oh what rewards await her! Her story has already touched so many lives….and she is still in ICU! Just imagine what she can do when she is up and at it again! Love your family and praying daily!
You have an amazing family. How glorious is it to know that our loving God is using your precious daughter as his voice and showing of his love and miracles here on Earth??!! Prayers continue to be sent to your daughter from Kansas City!
First Happy Anniversary..<3
I reallys admire Aimeé, you and your family’s strength and love.
Wow. Consciousness entrapped within flesh. Flesh transcended by a higher consciousness. Peace descending and patience, without fear and panic, becoming thanksgiving.
I have been following Aimee’s progress… God Bless Her and your family…
My Dearest Aimee,
I pray every day and night for you to get better and that God relieves your pain….You have been a complete inspiration for me. I always thought my life was so bad since most of the time I have not got the money to feed my kids or don’t know how to pay the rent, but you made me look to God for answers and there always seems to be a way.I have a disease calleld fibromyalgia that gives me lots of pain but I realized my pain was nothing compared to yours. I hope each and every day you get a little better. I hope you all keep me informed on how you are doiing. I wish I lived close enough so I could come see you and read to you or something….maybe just chat for awhile, but I live in Va and have no way of transportation. But please know that you are in my heart and my prayers…..God Bless you Aimee….We all love you and are wishing only the best for you and your familly. I know God has the power to heal and I know you will get better….So untill honey hold your head high and trust in the Lord…..Your Friend Sandy
God bless you all!!!
God has qualified Aimee and your entire family to be a testament to His mighty power and never ceasing grace and mercy. Lives will continue to be touched and transformed through the perseverance of Aimee! Prayers for supernatural healing and God’s perfect peace and comfort throughout this difficult time.
The most beautiful people I have known are those who have known defeat, suffering, known struggle, known loss and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an appreciation, sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. – Historian Ray Nichols
Pain is a great teacher, but most of us would rather learn some other way. We think that happiness comes from a perfect childhood and avoiding mistakes. We don’t like that patched up feeling that comes from each survival. We would like to be seamless, no patches, no scars. Cherish your hard-won depth and understanding. Some pain is required for the journey. The gifts you seek are often disguised as problems. Patches bring strength, whether on your knees or in our hearts.
Excellent post!
I am so thankful to hear that Aimee has found peace in God! She has to be a very strong woman to have found such peace through such pain and loss! I don’t know that I could be as strong as see she is, or as strong as you and her mother are, if I were faced with the trials she is going through and will continue to face for the rest of her life! You are so right…we take the simplest tasks like walking across a room or brushing our own hair for granted every day. Your family’s adversities have made me examine my own life a little closer and thank God for my own health, the health of my children and husband, and the health of all of those that I love. Life can be hard sometimes, and we forget to give thanks to God for just allowing us to be here to live another day with our families. Your heart-felt posts have reminded me to just stop a little more and give thanks to God for all that he’s given to me. You and your family are truely amazing! I pray that God continues to heal Aimee and give her and your family the strength to face whatever comes your way. God bless you!
Aimee your story is truly heartwarming everytime i read something about you it brings tears to my eyes its hard to believe that somethin so awful can happen to a young,smart and beautiful person
like you i will continue to pray for you and a quick recovery
god bless you and your family
Amazing! I feel very humbled right now!
Faith, what an awesome gift from God. Without faith there can be no hope and the entire Copeland family, especially Aimee, has strengthened the faith & hope in thousands of people.
I am humbled by your witness. We will continue our prayers, God bless you all.
our family are keeping aimee in our prayers days and night. We know what the family is suffering through as well as Aimee, becuase our mother went into docotrs in renal shutdown on august 15. On august the 19th they diagonise her with the same thing Aimee has. And her first surgery was august the 19th. she had 17 surugeies and then skin grafts. they didnt expect her to make it at all until the end of october. but our mom had it inside her abdomen and no one knows how she got it. but she was released from doctors november 29th becuase the whole family including my mom put it in god’s hands. whatever his will was, my mom was ready to accept it. there was hundreds of prayers going around her everyday, and still does becuase she still has some healing to do. she has a long way to go and she had suffered more medical problems since she was released from doctors. god has answered and provided for my mom to have the strenght to keep fighting and all our family needs, regardless of what it was. so please put everything in god’s hands, for if you believe and turn everything over to him, he will provide answers to all prayers. all you have to do is listen and follow god’s will. our family prays that Aimee has a very speedy recovery and a great life ahead of her. God always has a plan for everything. the people that Aimee has already help through prayer has proved that.
always in our prayers,
the anderson family
Dear Mr. Copeland,
Thank you so much for your “updates” on Aimee’s progress. I have tried so many times to send you a message to express my deepest sorrow for what has happened to Aimee and all the pain and suffering that not only Aimee is going through but you and your family as well. This whole thing just pains my heart. I think of all of you every day and check everyday to see if there is an update.
You should consider writing a book some day down the road of this “life changing/in-the-blink-of-an-eye” nightmare (for I don’t know what else to call it at this present time). It would be very inspirational to so many, as your blogs have been so inspirational to many already.
Happy Anniversay to you and Donna!
Aimee is in “loving arms”…God, family and hospital caregivers.
Sincerely, Cheryl Collins, Buffalo Gap, TX
Faith, what an awesome gift from God. Without faith there can be no hope and the entire Copeland family, especially Aimee, has strengthened the faith & hope in thousands of people.
I am humbled by your witness. We will continue our prayers, God bless you all.
Happy Anniversary!
BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE OR DEATH;
your words are building blocks of which you construct your life and future,Your words set the cornerstones of your life,and you live within the confines of that boundary you create with your words.Situations,circumstances and conditions are the subject to change,but with the support of your words you can establish them in your life forever.people that have an image of themselves being in poor health will talk about poor health.even though they may be in good health,they seem to live out reality of the image they have of themselves even unto death.this would confirm proverbs 18:21,death and life are in the power of the tongue;and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.what you believe and speak not only affects your body but your immune system as well.your words become either a blessing or a curse to you.JESUS put it this way:A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good;and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil:for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh(Luke 6:45)
I am convinced from my study of the word of GOD that your own words can change your immune system for better or worst.(James 3:2-7.)The words you speak are vital to your health and well being.I believe there are some diseases that will never be cured unless people learn to speak the language of health that the body understands.GOD’s word is infused(engrafted)into you by giving voice to His Word with your own mouth,and this is the language of health to your body.A continual affirmation of GOD’S Word in faith will build into your immune system a supernatural anointing that is capable of eliminating sickness and disease in a natural manner.
GOD’S BUILDING BLOCKS
Here are a few of many scriptural reasons why I believe this so strongly:
Thou shalt also decree a thing,and it shall be established unto thee:and the light shall shine upon thy ways.JOB 22:28
a fool’s mouth is his destruction,and his lips are the snare of his soul. Proverbs 18:7
For verily I say unto you,That whosoever shall say unto this mountain,Be thou removed,and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart,but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass;he shall have whatsoever he saith. Mark 11:23
I create the fruit of the lips;Peace,peace to him that is far off,and to him that is near,saith the LORD;and i will heal him. Isaiah 57:19
MY PRAYER FOR YOU ALL IS THAT GOD WILL HAVE HIS WILL BE DONE IN EVERY THING AND THAT HE WILL GUIDE THE DOCTORS HANDS AS HIS OWN AND I KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT OUR FATHER IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.GOD BLESS
I am beginning to understand how Aimee and you can help others in more ways than one. You are of course under no obligation to provide such details as you have been giving about Aimee. I think most all who love God know that prayers can be made for Aimee and they can allow God to help her more, without us knowing so many details of her condition.
Yet, given that you have been updating us on these details, we are allowed to almost live and hurt as Aimee does, even though not to the same degree physically. I went through a very similar process in recent years regarding a friend that had been hurt in a completely different situation. I could never understand well how she was hurt, until she revealed the details of her hurt. As I say, different situation but the same idea. It is hard not to hurt for her difficulties when we know what she is going through. We do not need these details to pray; yet perhaps there is a purpose served in feeling the hurt we do in knowing the details you share with us.
I am sure the time will come when Aimee’s life will need to become more private again, but we will never forget what she has been and is going through this year, even as we respect that privacy. And perhaps more importantly, this remembrance will help us have a feel for others who hurt. Knowing what my friend went through and what Aimee is going through adds to that sensitivity.
And we look forward to the time when Aimee is thriving (a favorite word of my friend) and looks with loving disdain (like my phrase invention?) on those who classify her as “poor Aimee” because she is ready to tell others how much she has really been blessed with.
God Bless you and your family. Aimee is an inpiration in so many lives. I continue to be in awe of her bravery and recovery. I always knew from the beginning of her story that God would use her for bigger things…. it is so heart warming and reassuring to read that those bigger things include saving other lives. God is Good!!! Aimee will continue to be in my prayers!! Thanks for your updates on her healing.
Always sharing your updates with everyone I know. Aimee is a miracle and proof that God is listening to our prayers!!!! God bless you and your family Aimee!
Dear Copeland Family,
Everytime I read your blog on Aimee I breakdown in tears, but these are tears of happiness b/c our Lord God Almighty is a healer. Aimee is truely a miracle!!!! I will continue to pray for Aimee and your family!
God Bless
Tara, Augusta GA
love and prayers to all of you. such and inspiration to us all. stay strong girl and keep fighting.
Just wanted your family to know that I am praying for you each and every day. When I read your posts I am reminded that my life is good and to give thanks to God. I am so inspired by your faith and your ongoing positive spirit. I am so looking forward to the day that Aimee leaves the hospital, comes home to be with her family and all things that are familiar to her. Good thoughts, good health and happier times are my prayer for you and your family.
Praise God!!! Prayers are being answered!
God is good and He will use this to bring glory. Aimee is brave–and her faith in our heavenly Father will sustain her. He weeps for her pain, but knows her resolve to love and live like Jesus.
Mr. Copeland,
I live here in Atl and heard about your sweet daughter through a friend on FB. I have followed closely and prayed. You all are such an inspiration of God’s love, grace and healing. I know a long road is ahead. My dad was fishing in Alaska in 1987 and was in ICU there for 8 weeks due to what Alaskans call “fish poisoning”- Necrotizing Facitis. It is so common in Alaska that at the medical center in Anchorage, there is entire NF wing where ICU, therapies, etc. are only for NF patients. My mom saw it all.
When my father was transported 8 weeks later back to Florida. The team of doctors there had to had several conference calls with the team in Orlando on how to continue treatment because just not prevalent here. Some of the doctors in Orlando had never seen it before. It was a long road for my dad, but he is alive and well today at 70 yrs.
I am so thankful Aimee has had excellent medical treatment. I am so sorry this has happened, but I know Jesus is being glorified through Aimee’s life and the amazing testimonies that He is working in people’s lives through this. I stand with you all in prayer for healing and recovery in your ‘new normal’. Aimee is a beautiful girl with a beautiful purpose! A wonderful family with an incredible purpose! Thank you for sharing your pain and your incredible faith in our Lord!
Happy Anniversary to you and your wife. Rest and joy for you today!
In His Love,
Victoria Gainey
Canton, GA
What a blessing to read Aimee’s progress – both physically and spiritually…God is GOOD – all the time – God is GOOD!!!
Thank you for keeping us updated.
Happy Anniversary!!!!
Happy Anniversary! The world is your family now!
Many prayers for you and yours!
Your family is such a blessing and inspiration to me. May God continue to bless with strength, peace, comfort, and healing. To God be the Glory, our Great Physician.
Wow! That’s all I can really say! God is bigger than any problem we have!
The first comment I noticed was one by Tony McLean that simply states “Your family is bigger than you’ll ever know now. God bless.” I could not agree more! Your family is much larger than you know and extends around the world!!
Everything happens for a reason and God works in mysterious ways….these are pretty often-used cliches, but they are very true. What Aimee has gone through and what your family is going through, has touched people far and wide in various ways. Your entire family is continuously in my prayers.
Love,
Tina
I have been following Aimee’s journey ever since I read of her accident. I have also been praying for her and the whole family, doctors & nurses, and other medical caregivers. Your updates keep a WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE informed so that we can pray specifically.
It is so awesome to know that God is in control even when we don’t understand His Ways. Aimee is hedged with love and care from many, many people and especially from our Heavenly Father.
Great days ahead from our Lord!!!
God bless you for your sharing updates on Aimee.Prayers will continue for comfort and strength for her and for your family. Isn’t God awesome!
Praise God! My friend and I were hit by a drunk driver last july, we both received severe traumatic brain injuries. My friend is still in a vegetative state and God has enabled me to make Forward Motion on my recovery. I had a trache in for 6 months and had 9 surgeries but I am learning that God is Sovereign and his grace is sufficient indeed. I found great inspiration from reading this story. I pray for supernatural strength, wisdom, and discernment over your family while on this journey. If you would like to get coffee sometime let me know.
Good thoughts and prayers coming from Columbia, Maryland. G-d does work miracles, and am happy to see one is working in Aimee. May she continue to improve and be able to come home soon. All our support to you and the rest of her family. Respite is also G-d would want, so make sure to treat your mind, body, and spirit to some as well. Much love and happiness to you all.
Aimee is a Gift from God. I remember when my mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness and subsequently died. I spent a lot of time asking “Why? Why her? She is such a wonderful lady and so sweet to everyone around her.” God answered me – and continues to answer me – in so many ways. I learned – through my mom – that on the worst day, we can still share a smile with someone. I learned that life is too short to ever waste time on pettiness and sadness. I learned bravery through my mom’s suffering. I learned Grace and Dignity through every day she lived – fighting for every breath she took. I learned there is always someone else worse off than myself and I need to count my blessings and find that silver lining around every cloud. Your Aimee is teaching you all – and the world this – as she lives each day with all that she has gone through. She has chosen to not “suffer.” She has chosen to receive the Gift of Life that God had given her and she is sharing that Gift with the world. Your answers as to “Why?” are there. You are seeing them every day in so many ways. My Pastor calls these “God sightings.” You see God sightings every day. God bless you all and especially, God bless and hold Aimee. She is a wonderful young woman and she is teaching us all so much. I continue to pray for her and for all of you. Hugs!!!
I love that “God sightings” and will use that in the future. I have had 3 in the past 6 months. I was going through a terrible time and I cried out to God “please give me a sign that your are here with me.” I received them and laughted out loud. God is good.
Thank you for sharing your story. We praise God for the continued healing that Aimee and your family are receiving. Thank you for the witness of God’s amazing Grace that you are showing all of us.
Your family is an inpirataion. Your daughter is an even bigger inspiration and your faith, solid as a “Rock”. I have no doubt that you guys will win. Despite what happened to Aimee, I am positive that her purpose is much bigger than anyone could ever imagine and I am certain that GOD has his hands all around your family. Jeremiah 29:11, his plans, his plans and his will. I am floored at how minor problems have destroyed lives, faith and relationships but how a severe life threatening/life altering accident of a complete stranger can show you whats really important. How this one situation can inspire & restore relationships and faith is nothing but the grace of GOD. My prayers are with you, your family and daughter. I pray for her continued successful progress both physically and mentally. I pray that you have constant peace and strength even when you dont feel like it. The world is watching and praying for you and your family. Thanks for sharing your daughters journey with us.
thank you Andy for the update. I’m so humbled to be a witness of what God has done through Amiee to the lives of many others.
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for the update on Aimee. She will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Copeland, thank you for the Thank you letter. God Bless!
Thank you for the update, and the Scripture! That and all the stories of how she has unknowingly saved changed other peoples lives will hopefully bring her peace and hope for a significant life after such tragedy. My father fell about 6 months ago and was paralyzed from the neck down, he has made some progress and regained some function of his arms and hands but is still completely dependent on others to meet his basic needs. He’s also had further setbacks, needing surgery to help with circulation issues and also with horrible bed sores, one of which became gangrenous (on the heel of his foot) and was amputated last week. I’ve been praying for Aimee and your family because I know that it’s hard and at times unbearable. It’s too easy to get caught up in hopelessness, and a feeling that life will never get any better that being dependent on hospital staff for the simplest and most personal of tasks. And to loose every ounce of dignity you once held in high regard. I will continue to pray hope, peace and healing over your family.
Praying for Aimee and all of you! Your words are encouraging and Aimee’s life is making us all re-evaluate our own attitudes and emotions. Can’t imagine what you all are going through, but i know beyond a doubt God is in the center of it and is seeing you guys through. God bless you all in Jesus name. Thanks for blogging.
Praise God! There is no other peace on earth like surrendering to God and feeling His perfect peace. May God continue to cover your family with peace and comfort. I cannot imagine what you all are going through. I will continue to lift you up in prayer. God bless.
Please pick up the book Hope Unseen for Aimee and have someone read it to her. It is a book she will find inspiration from and also “hope.” Best to all, keeping Aimee in prayer.
I was sick for 3 yrs with kidney failure and MRSA and now cant walk like i used to. I was feeling a little sorry for myself because last yr after being out of the hospital for 2 yrs i had to go back in for an infection in my left leg and during the night my heart stopped and i stopped breathing. it was strange because i could hear everything but couldnt see. i later found out that was because when a person is dying the brain shuts down the senses. thank God the doc was able to get the heart going again. i was trached for the second time and when it came out my trach site closed in 2 days. I have been feeling sorry for myself but after reading Aimee’s story i have a renewed sense of thankfulness to God for helping me get to where i am today. i am struggling to walk again but am able to and hearing her story is motivating me to do more each day. i pray for her recovery and want to thank you so much for sharing her story with me and everyone. if there is anything i can do please contact me on fb my name is Lisa Corkins. God Bless and thank you so very much
i do believe that Aimee’s condition has and will continue to change people’s lives for the better! God does work in misterious ways. We can’t question it, but know it is what is to be.. I will continue to pray for Aimee and your beautiful family 🙂 She is so lucky to have such a strong and loving family!!! That is something alot of people don’t have, such as myself. God bless you all
Andy, I am hoping that you and Aimee both find purposes in your lives that continues to inspire and help others. Your inspirational updates, and Aimee’s amazing progress are both the basis for a very successfull faith based inspirational writing and speaking career. I want to be right there in the front row with a big smile at the first speech and the first in line at Batnes and Noble if either of you ever write a book. Both, you and Amy, have inpsired me with my trivial health issues to never ever complain again.
Thank You!
Michael
I think Michael said it best.That’s how I feel about my health issues.When I start to feel bad I’ll remember Amie, and her family. My FAITH is renewed. God will always be my Light in darkness,and in everything I do.Thank you and God bless EVERYONE.
You are in my prayers
God bless you
Hi,
I just wanted to share with Aimee this poem I find inspirational:
“One Day at a Time”
One day at a time, with its failures and fears,
With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,
With its portion of pain and its burden of care;
One day at a time we must meet and must bear.
One day at a time to be patient and strong,
To be calm under trial and sweet under wrong;
Then its toiling shall pass and its sorrow shall cease;
It shall darken and die, and the night shall bring peace.
One day at a time – but the day is so long,
And the heart is not brave, and the soul is not strong,
O Thou pitiful Christ, be Thou near all the way;
Give courage and patience and strength for the day.
Swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet;
“Yea, I will be with thee, thy troubles to meet;
I will not forget thee, nor fail thee, nor grieve;
I will not forsake thee; I never will leave.”
Not yesterday’s load we are called on to bear,
Nor the morrow’s uncertain and shadowy care;
Why should we look forward or back with dismay?
Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.
One day at a time, and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.
–Annie Johnson Flint
Unbelievable strength and determination. I think of you all daily and wonder how Aimee is doing. I heard Paige on her radio interview the other day too! I tear up at times thinking of how difficult this must be and how an entire life(s) can change in the blink of an eye. The love your family shares and your faith will bring you through this. Thinking of you all often. Happy Anniversary Andy and Donna!
Happy Anniversary Andy and Donna! Thank you for the update. I keep you, your family, in my prayers daily asking God for more and more progress and peace for Aimee, and thank him for the double blessings I have received as His work continues through you, Aimee, Donna, and Paige. God Bless
Aimee has come such a long way in her recovery ! God bless her and your family.Keep up the good work, I am still praying for all of you.
I’m glad to hear that Aimee is getting better with each day. It really is a struggle to see your child have to suffer and not able to do anything to change what has happened to them. My 5 year old son was admitted to the hospital a few days before your daughter’s incident. After a few days and testing they found out it was MRSA in his right leg bone and in his blood. They operated on his leg 3 times and he has been on antibiotics for 6 weeks now. We spent a total on 2 weeks in the hospital in Augusta and it was terrifying and frustrating. Not knowing what the next step is or how long the treatment will be or even how they are dealing with it. I see it as a blessing that she is getting better and she will struggle but just to be able to be there with her is helping her more and more everyday. God Bless and stay strong!
Dearest Aimee, you are such an inspiration. I was so thrilled to read that you had surrendered your will to God and how remarkable peace has come over you. I praise God for all of your bodily and emotional improvements and I pray that each day you get stronger physically and emotionally. With the Holy Spirit within you, this will happen for you. My favorite scripture for meditation is “By His stripes we are healed.” That is God’s will—that we would be healed/healthy. I thank Jesus that He was will to endure so much pain, humiliation, and death so that we may have all of our sins forgiven, health, and eternal life. God has used your situation for much good and He will continue to use you in mightily ways, no doubt! May God continue to bless you and your family abundantly!
Your family & Aimee are truly blessed. I am so happy that Aimee is doing better. I know it is a long road of recovery but I know the good Lord will be with all of you every step of the way. I lost my 23 year old daughter in 2005 eighteen hours after delivering my grandson. I am raising her son who is now seven years old and is the light of my life. It was not Aimee’s time and I know that God is using her. There is a bigger picture we just can’t see it all. Thank Aimee for me she is an inspiration to many.
I am so glad to hear that Aimee is doing so well and will continue to pray for your family! Stay strong Aimee you have come a long way and there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Happy anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Copeland!
God bless ya’ll, I can never begin to comprehend the pain and fear all have been thru but please know from the bottom of my heart that I wish Amiee and the family my prayers and thoughts
And God bless you, Aimee and your family. What a testimony of God’s almight power. Thank you for your updates. I am keeping you all in my prayers. Sending healing hugs!
Amy and family, you all are so inspiring!
I just wanted to quickly share an option for phantom pain, it is most likely too early to try but never to early to research and plan!
I had a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) for pain, it is like electric stim that someone may receive in a physical therapy session, this is just implanted with a small battery and leads that stimulate the nerve to ‘smother’ pain signals. I had an SCS for a mysterious pain that the Dr’s had thought was being created by the nerves which is when I heard that it is also used for phantom limb pain.
Without my SCS I would not have a life, possibly quite literally. My pain was debilitating, just shifting in bed created a knife like pain. This unit covered up the pain to the point that I was able to do physical rehab and find the root of the pain. Pain, phantom or not is real to the person suffering from it and my heart goes out to Aimee.
Praying for you all. and sending big hugs!
Happy Anniversary 🙂
Mr. Copeland,
I thank our heavenly father for bringing Aimee through this terrible tragedy. You have been so strong and an inspiration to many. All things are possible thorugh Christ our Lord. My husband had this flesh eating bacteria in 2001. When I saw this had happened to Aimee I immediately put her on our prayer list at church and we continue to pray for her and your entire family. May God continue to bless Aimee and give her and the rest of the family the strength to get through this. We will continue to pray for each of you.
God Bless you all!
I have a friend who had a traumatic amputation of part of his foot and toe. Sometimes he has severe phantom pain of the area. I have found that if I gently but firmly hold onto the foot with my hands over the affected area and gently, firmly stroke the area and outward toward the amputated area, the pain will decrease and sometimes disappear. It’s as if I am gently massaging the amputated toe. I think the firm cradling of the adjacent area and the ‘massaging’ of the amputated area tells the brain that the pain is being massaged away. Perhaps you could try this with Aimee, if the area of amputation is healed enough to cradle it.
Thank you for the positive updates for your fantastic daughter and her family. It is so easy to get sidetracked with our daily routine and it is humbling to read each time you post an update and I can slow down long enough to remember, appreciate and pray for her continued recovery. You are truly blessed.
God bless your family, I am overjoyed that you turned to God. He will never wrong you. God bless your entire family
Continued healing!!!! Many prayers!! xo
Thank you so much for the update. I think about Aimee daily. I thought about Aimee as I faced an abnormal mammogram and fine needle biopsy. I decided not to respond with worry or fear but to take each moment, live that moment as well as I can, accepting support when I need it (the procedure of the fine needle biopsy) and then just continue with my life without judgement, good or bad.
Also, I wonder if Aimee is familiar with something called “MINDFULNESS” which is based upon living in the moment. I have had treatment for PTSD as have found this a powerful tool for being able to deal with intense emotional reactions. People who have suffered intensely will be plagued by intense emotions that they need skills to be able to manage effectively. That’s Mindfulness. I have learned MINDFULNESS in a hospital program and I recommend it. Love, from me.
God is Good!! You have an amazing daughter and I will continue to pray for her as well as her family! <3
God does sustain us and will continue to hold Aimee and her whole family in His loving arms. Thank you for sharing your “road” with us. My continued prayers are with you all.
Please listen to this! A neurologist has come up with an interesting way to treat phantom limb pain that may help Aimee:
radiolab.org/2006/may/05/phantom-limbs/
God is truly in control of everything! Yes, in everything we are told to give thanks! I first read about Aimee’s condition through the World news section appearing in the local Malaysian newspapers here. I was overwhelmed with sadness and it was a compelling heart that urged me to pray for her henceforth. In the month of April, i attended a leadership training seminar at the Haggai Institute of Advanced Leadership Center located in Maui, Hawaii where we were trained to be an evangelizing Christian and to be the salt of the earth and light to the world. When I got back to my hometown in Penang, Malaysia; i was feeling rather lethargic and had the feeling that I did not have it in me to soldier on and to fulfil the great commission; which was to go take the gospel to all people for one reason or another. Then I read about Aimee’s condition and somehow, the lord spoke to me that although Aimee was in such a condition, she was a living testimony on god’s goodness and grace. If she could endure and remain strong, so should i. I have not looked back since and have had many opportunities to share the gospel to whom I come into contact with. At work in the bank, I have had a renewed vigor to continue producing my best as a living testimony of a relevant and contemporary Christian employee. I do periodical checks on your site to also check on Aimee’s progress as well and am happy to see her rapid progress. I seem to draw inner strength from Aimee as well and indeed, through her recovery progress and process many lives all over the world has been touched and blessed. Thank you Aimee for inspiring me and my family as well. My son, Bryan age 12 and daughter, Rachel age 9 are constantly enquiring about your progress and I have taken the liberty to update both of them. Rest assured your beloved daughter are on my family prayers. Thank you so much for your updates and Happy Anniversary! May god’s abundant blessings and bountiful grace chase and overtake you always!!! God bless from South East Asia!!!
I will pray for your family for fast healing and continued love and joy that you already share.Even though this tragedy is great you are blessed in so many ways.
Thank you, Aimee. Words of gratitude that we so often take for granted. You are the epitome of the fruits of the spirit. You are the “ecclesia” or the called out one who will stand as a testimony of God’s love and mercy. Standing in agreement with you and your family in prayer. God is With US !!!!!
Oh..thank you so much for the update! . Please God ease her suffering soon! Just know Aimee is making a difference in so many other lives….mine included.
God bless your family and beautiful Aimee!
Hello, I have been following your story and have sent many prayers for Aimee and your whole family. I don’t know if you have thought of this yet but feel she would become happier if you applied for a Therapy Dog that could help bring her things open doors place items at her level etc. I realize she will more than likely have to be fitted for items to replace her hands and feet first but the joy I have seen with Therapy Dogs should be a focus as well to make her happy. Hope she gets one in the future, I wish the best of luck to you all.
I have kept up with Aimees story as I am sure a million others, I look everyday for new updates this along with the original site are on my favourites bar, I could never imagine what your family and Aimee are going through but the Courage, strength and love you all have for each other is so amazing, God bless you all. You are inspiration to the rest of us.
It’s an honor and a privilege to know Aimee and your family. It’s clear that this human tragedy is impacting many lives for good; even saving some. Praise God. I pray for God’s great love to continue empowering all of you. May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Aimee, you are doing battle in the spiritual realm in places you cannot conceive. Your faith and courage is tearing down strongholds and making way for God’s love to get through to others. I pray for God’s affection and pride for you, his mighty warrior daughter, to very real to you. Peace, grace, and continued healing to you.
Dear Mr. Copeland,
I’ve followed your posts since the beginning and I’m so happy Aimee is improving and will eventually recover. She is a remarkable young lady and it is so very evident that the apple (Aimee) hasn’t fallen far from the apple tree (You and Mrs. Copeland). May you all continue to find the blessings in this unwanted journey.
My deepest prayers and support go out to Aimee and the whole family for the best possible recovery. 3 years ago I was admitted into the hospital near death it took them almost 3 weeks to discover that I had the same flesh eating bacteria Aimee had, Aeromonas Hydrophilia, at that point my body had gone septic and my family was flying in to say their last goodbyes. Some how I myself pulled through just as Aimee is doing now she is a strong girl and yes she will have obstacles and a long rough road but she will come out on top at the end of all this. She will continue to need all the encouraging words and support she is getting now there will be good days and bad days but in the end I know she will be grateful to be here to share her story! I personally hated the physical pain but I couldn’t imagine being on the other end and seeing someone I love have to go through so much, after 4 months in the hospital 28 surgeries later I thank God everyday for being there by my side, keeping encouragement for my family to not give up hope and for giving me a new appreciation for life! I look at all my scars and remind myself how lucky I am to still be here, Aimee will do the same I just know it. I hope the best and love reading her updates I have a special soft spot in my heart that I will always hold for her.
Your courage through this trial Andy is a profound testimony of how close you and your family are to the Lord. In a sermon one day I heard the kingdom of God described as being like a quilt. On the underside of the quilt there are patches, cuts, rips and stitches, yet on the top side of the quilt there is a beautiful, peaceful and colorful scene that has come together. One day we will be with the Lord on the top side of the quilt. Until then, we may not fully understand why we are being put through the trials we are put through, but we can be sure grace and peace will prevail in the end. God Bless you and your family!!
Thank you sooooooooooo much for this update on Aimee. I am following her progress closely and am so very thankful for her healing that has taken place. How difficult for her and for those of you in your family to have had this happen, but you already are seeing how God is blessing all of you and untold thousands throughout the world. I pray for God;s Holy Spirit to continue to fill you with comfort, love, healing, courage and guidance. Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!
Wanted you to know that I care and am praying for you all. I keep thinking, “Thy will be done”, “Thy will be done”. May our gracious Lord and Savior bless you and keep you all as he works His will in your lives to His Glory.
Aimee is an inspiration to us all, but your faith is a powerful response that triggers my soul. Happy Anniversary.
Praise God for the healing He is doing in Aimee!! Only God could do these things!! Thank you for being a bold brother in the faith, thank you for publicly praising God is such a trying time! All praise, all glory, all honor be given to God!! Praying for Aimee and your family!
Mr. Copeland, you are truly an inspiration. It’s no wonder that your beautiful daughter Aimee has such faith, strength and courage. I will keep all of you close in thought and prayer.
With much love,
Katy
Olney, Maryland
Thank you for keeping us updated. My heart breaks for what Aimee is going through and for all that ia ahead of her. As a sister in Christ, she is loved. Please let her know we are and will continue to pray for her. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you, as a parent, to watch your daughter struggle through this recover process. May God continue to keep you close to Him and give you all the strength you will need in the days ahead. May His peace be with you.
She reminds me of my mother. My mother always said “someone always has it worse”. She survived cancer 4 times. Several surgeries and then a heart transplant. Her motto was always “never quit” and “what else are you gonna do?” Her spirit lives on in her kids. and I can only hope that I’m as strong as her if I ever have to face hard things in life.
Thank you so much for posting. I’ve been following Aimee’s condition since I read about it, and I’m so happy she’s getting better. I’m praying her phantom pain goes away, for her peace, and that she continues to improve.
Aside from that, your words touched me deeply when you talked about the fact that God is in control. I needed that reminder today very much. God is good. All the time. 🙂
I have been following Aimee since this happen to her . I have been speaking life to her dally. My son-in-law is a quid. he has no feeling from his shoulders down. He experiences some of the same phantom pain. I have told him about Aimee. He is a Pastor, and he still pastors his church.They told him he would not live ,it has been 10 years now .We know God is in control of Aimee’s life and Dales.Thanks for this sight. A christian who is praying, “This too shall pass”.
I just wanted to let you and your family know that I am also praying for your family and Aimee…what happened was horrible and unheard of but it is so encouraging how y’all are still keeping your faith in Christ and not giving up. She is such a strong lady and I’m amazed every time I think about how much she has gone through but still hanging in there. When I was 10 my uncle had a serious brain injury and was in a coma for 3 weeks and couldn’t walk for over a year and couldn’t even make a noise for at least a year..my family took him in to take care of him. He whent through a very very hard time especially with his speech and constant seizures.. But over the years and years he has gotten through it. He was 35 when it happened and has been down to the bottom wanting to give up but he kept on an kept on. He has learned to deal with his injuries and not being able to speak. He just mumbles. I know it’s Not the same situation but I’m telling you this as encouragement.. She will make it through this and learn how to look past what has happened. And your family will definitely go through hard times but if you hang onto Christ y’all will grow so much closer and build this bond that could never be broken. My uncle had his injury in 2001 and has now learned to look past what has happened.. It almost tore my parents apart but this year they calibrated 30 years of marriage! And doing a whole lot better than before.. Just hang in their guys and never give up no matter what. It may take who knows how long but it will get easier and things will turn out for the best even if it looks impossible. I love you guys and thank you so much for yalls encouragement and inspiration to just trust in Christ and let him take control. Y’all are truly an amazing family and you have an amazing strong daughter that Is a mirrical alone and she will bless so many lives with her faith. Hang in there guys. Love you all
This post was so inspiring. I’m pretty sure I’ll be thinking twice before I do any complaining again. Your family’s faith is a reminder that G-d is always with us, even when we’re not sure. Bless you and your family. Praying for you daily.
My family is still praying for your family. The Lord is using your family in a mighty way and we are so proud of Aimee for her courage and determination. All the best…. The Wadsworth Family.
God has been nudging me to let you know that I am another voice praying. As one who knows personally how to pray for this situation and for you all. May the dark days remind you that you are Under His Wings and the bright days remind you of His Glory.
Life is so wonderful when we know the Lord. His hope is always in our hearts even when we’re having a bad day. Praise God that you and your wife brought Aimee up in the ways of the Lord. It blessed me when she surrendered to the Lord and let Him start to minister to her. She is such a brave young lady. I’ll always be praying for your family especially Aimee. She has a long road ahead to adjust to a new way of life. However, this life is temporary and one day when we’re in our glorified bodies living with the Lord forever, Aimee will be perfect. God bless you all !!!
May Aimee continue healing spiritually and physically. She is a true testament to God above. I pray for her daily. ?
Your Aimee has and will continue to be an inspiration to us all. She is now “our” Aimee. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself with others.
I truly believe that Aimee’s unlikely recovery was a direct result of God’s intervention brought about by many thousands of believers all over the world. I should serve as a shining example of the power of prayer, and very possibly lead many to the Lord.
It also shined a spotlight on the destructive power of bacteria, and I hope that will cause others to be very careful and very possibly save many lives. I gained respect for bacteria myself very recently when I was down for six months with cellulitus from a small cut on my leg. Fortunately I did not get anywhere near as sick as Aimee, but I was very sick.
My heart goes out to Aimee for her loss of limbs and the tough road she has ahead. God has a plan for her and for you as well. Thank you for takin the time to share your struggle with us and for keeping us all informed. You all are an inspiration to the rest of us. I will continue to pray for all of us.
God bless, and Happy Anniversary!
Thank you for sharing these testimonies. God’s ways are not our ways. While praying for Aimee I am awed by how God is changing lives for His glory. May strength and grace abound for Aimee and your family.
Hi, I have a daughter, now 16 who has severe Epilepsy. We have almost lost her many times and we could lose her tomorrow. Something in your blog struck me about taking for granted. THat is so true. When you suffer with chronic illness of any sort those little things mean a lot. I, being an OT of 20+ years that was what I taught my patient the little things that are the big things. I expect when you get to the next phase your OT will be your inspiration and your leader in how you will do those little things. I know you will do great. You will find people that will help you with the going to the bathroom, keyboarding etc. You are an inspiration but others will be an inspiration for you like my daughter is to me. Even though she has lost her speech, her memory is impaired and still has many seizures a month she continues to strive to spell on a letter board and try to get her needs met.
Keep trudging along and thank for the great blog on how aimee is doing.
Peace to all of you
God bless Jennifer
Amazing. Simply amazing. You’re all so lucky to have each other. Your daughter has touched my life, and may my good wishes touch hers.
Happy Anniversary!,, My thoughts and prayers are with you all!! I think about Aimee everyday and pray that she is doing better. She is a inspiration! You all are very strong!! Thank you so much for keeping her updates posted!!
God Bless You ALL!!!!
Your blog updates about your precious daughter are uplifting and unfailingly honest. Thank you for sharing this gift with others around the world. Our family is struggling with my mom’s terminal cancer diagnosis. We have faith that God will give her the strength to handle whatever may come. Aimee has shown the extremes of human strength and weakness. She is an inspiration to my mom and to our family.
God’s blessings on you all.
God bless you Aimee and you family. My prayers continue to go out to all. God bless
I have no other words than “wow”. I mean come on…what can even be said here. Go Aimee go! You are woman hear you roar! 🙂
Thank you for writing and keeping us up to date on your daughters condition. Our prayers are with your wholde family. I wish the best for yor daughter, that what she finds ahead will fullfil her. Your writings remind us all to remember how much we all really have, and for that I thank you.
Happy Anniversary!
Thinking of Aimee everyday. Thank you for the blog. It’s my inspiration.
My family & I heard on the news about Aimee’s accident back early May when it first happened and we prayed for her and your family, however, i kept following Aimee’s story to find out how she was doing, i heard about your blog. My family lives in Loganville, so i felt a connection because we are county neighbors. I am so thankful for Aimee’s progress, it is a true miracle. God definitely has plans for her life, Jeremiah 29:11 in the biggest way! I am happy to say that my son, Jordan Rager will be participating in the fundraiser for Aimee in Snellville on June 15th, Jordan will kick the fundraiser off at 5pm. Jordan is an 18yr old country music artist and was also on Season 2 of The Voice. We hope to draw a crowd that will come and donate $$$ and help make this a successful event for your family! I would love for Jordan to meet Aimee one day. We will continue to pray for Aimee and your family, you have been an inspiration to so many. God Bless!
Reading your update on Aimee has brought me close to tears…..Your Aimee is such a precious soul….Talking about surrendering her will to God….something as beleivers we ALL need to do….but she is faced with challenges SO very far beyond what any of us will ever have to bear….God is holding her in His arms…..praying so very much for you all….especially the phantom pains….I trully wish there was a tangible way to minister to your Aimee….prayers and much love being sent your way……happy anniversary to you and your wife….you all shine so brightly with His heart!!!
Happy Anniversary to the Copelands!
Before Aimee;s story went national, I took an evening out to pray for her.Hooked up with many prayer warriors that I know. Since then I pray every day!I went to Emory & was rather achievement oriented like her. Right after graduation we went whitewater rafting. But for the grace of God……
I thank God for Aimes survival. I have a neuromuscular disease & many days I cannot walk. Aimee has helped me to rely on my strengths!
Thank her for me, and thank YOU.
I am not far (2 hours) from Augusta & 30 minutes from Snellville……one thing that I can do is drive. If I may bring ya’ll something that you need from home or vice versa, please let me know.
God bless,
Kim
What a testimony you and your family have. Thank you for sharing and affirming the wonderful Power and Soverignty of God to the whole world. The Lord is being lived out in you and your family’s faith and believe me there are those that are lost and feeling hopeless that are watching a reading. Press on!
Think of the many lives your family has touched through your story, the lives that maybe would have never been changed if this wouldn’t have happened. God’s mighty plan! When we think we have everything under control god gives us a 360 turn. We thank him daily for the roads we are handed. We serve a mighty god, one who knows all and answer’s every prayer. Keep holding on Ms. Aimee god has many blessings for you.
I am following Aimee’s progress and am thrilled at how she is healing! I thank Jesus every night for keeping Aimee close to Him. I feel He has His hand or her and will bring her back to full function. Today’s technologies are heaven’s gifts meant to enhance our compassion, and Aimee will continue to thrive because of everyone’s compassion and prayers. Thank you for the blog updates, Aimee is an inspiration to me and I am certain many others. I continue in prayer, Louise
Wow. Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this. You’re right, God is taking her situation and changing people all over the world. She should know she is a source of strength, inspiration and amazement for so many of us. I’ll continue to pray for her and your family.
Your post today has really put me in a better place. It made me realize that if Aimee can praise and thank God for what He is doing in her life that I have no reason to be depressed about my life. Your post today showed me that I need to get a closer relationship with Him and that I should realize that He has it in control. As humans it is hard for us to let go and let God. I have always considered myself a person that wants to fix everything and any situation without first going to Him. I want to be able to turn it over to Him and realize that if He is in the drivers seat that I am on the right road. Your posts and Aimee’s faith has really been a blessing to me. God bless you and your family!
I love how Amy’s story has touched so many – even saved lives. I have a friend who recently lost her 4-week newborn. She says her baby changed more lives in 4 weeks than she has in her over 30+ years. God truly speaks to us through others’ experiences. We just have to listen.
God bless Aimee and your entire family.
June makes the best month for weddings! Praying for you and Donna to continue to find the strength to help your Aimee. My! All of the lives she has touched is truly a testament to God’s good works.
What a beautiful post. Sending love and prayers to Aimee and your family. 🙂 And happy anniversary. Aimee’s story always stirs something in me and brings me to tears. Were all rooting for her!
I promise you and Aimee, you have my support forever. I have been deeply distressed ever since I heard of Aimee’s accident. The depression has been overwhelming; it’s the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing I think of at night……I can’t explain her accident. Does God “have plans” for Aimee? Who knows? The only thing I’m certain of, is that Aimee has plans for all of us….!!
Let Aimee know that she is an inspiration to me and my family.
What a testament to all! Continued prayers going up for Aimee and the entire family!!
Dear Andy,
It encourages me to read your blogs on Aimee …I too get discouraged at times as I struggle with my cancer treatment ….my platelets are down and I’m close to needing blood transfusions, but I like you guys remember who is in charge and God always lifts my spirits ….I wake up a lot in the middle of the night and I use that time to pray for many people that are struggling including your family! !! I am so touched by your testimony and how you have blessed so many! !!….All my love …Jennifer ..and happy anniversary!
Aimee has the right idea about things. Finding strength in God is the way to go. I just hope she knows that there are no disabilities. God does not disable us, he enables us. We may not be able to walk, talk, or feed ourselves, but he always makes sure we have a greater ability in the end. I have always said that children born with certain “disabilities” are actually the people that are most in tune with human nature, and they often have a profound understanding of human kindness that most cannot fathom. I hope that Aimee does not descend into despair again because she has a greater purpose in life. Her job is to find it, understand it, and use it to glorify God. May she continue to recover, and may she fulfill her purpose. Happy anniversary.
Think about Aimee and all of her loved ones each day. May god continue to richly bless you all. There are thousands of us pulling for you.
I just wanted to say that she is an inspiration to alot of people and i know she will continue to heal …We will keep praying for her and her family…
Andy.. your words are beautiful and so is aimee. Thanks for the updates. Today on June the 5th it is also MY BIRTHDAY.. there is a rainbow near the end of this journey. we who believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST know this. Keep close to GOD and keep on keepin on aimee. alot of people are in your corner cheering you on.
Aimee is an inspiration and a true fighter. I have been through some tough situations in my life but nothing like your beloved Aimee. I have a much better prospective on life after hearing and reading about Aimee. May God bless you, Aimee and your family.
Wow! Thank you for taking the time to compose these updates. Aimee and family are truly inspirational examples of how to live through the Lord. God Bless you.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Praise the Lord that Aimee and your whole family loves God and knows that He is with you every step of the way during this long journey. That faith will lead you through the mountain, or over it, whatever it takes. Aimee’s story is so inspiring and makes those of us who have just simple aches and pains ashamed that we would ever complain. My love and prayers are with Aimee and all of you as you go through the coming days, weeks, and months on the way to returning health and happiness! May the Lord give you the peace that surpasses all understanding, and please keep the updates coming when you have time. God Bless.
I love to read about a family that although is going through a nightmare hangs tight to God, as many would have turned their backs. I smiled when I read about Aimee and knowing that God is in control. She let go and let God, I too had a moment such as this and know the deep sense of peace and the love that God has for us. I’m sending lots of love and prayer from Toronto Canada!!!!
It has to be so difficult as you are realizing how severe your injuries are and what you have to go through today and the rest of your life. I think she’s entitled to have a “bad day” if she wants but she has her family and faith and while no one knows God’s plans she will some day make her peace. She seems to be an extremely strong young woman and we’re all proud of her fight and will to survive.
When the news of Amiee’s accident and subsequent illness made the national news we saw it here in New Orleans. We’ve been praying for Aimee and your whole family. Please be assured that the prayers will continue. Thank you for the update.
Like many said here, I look daily for an update on Aimee. I think of your family daily, and know only God can give thru you what we are hearing come out of this. And, this is just the beginning. God is amazing. Your blogs, Andy, are special and bring us there to fight this with you in prayer. God bless.
Andy, as I keep saying: God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
Glen and I are covering your family in prayer.
elizabeth
WHAT AN AMAZING LORD WE SERVE!
I am sure someone may have already told you this but just in case please check in to this new transplant program in UCLA. A lady here in Dallas lost all her limbs to the same disease and she is now trying to get accepted in to a transplant program to get new limbs. Hopefully it will all work out for her and she can inspire your daughter as well. I am sure you are far away from this point. But your daughter can one day regain her independence and if she ever has a bad day perhaps this hope can help her. Love and prayers to you and your family from Texas.
http://transplants.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=141
Within the quietness of my own thoughts, I find myself repenting over and over for my whining and feeling sorry for myself about things that don’t even come remotely close to what your family (especially that dear Aimee!) have endured. Your sharing of Scripture from 2 Corinthians was a blessing. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He indeed is able to do above all we could ask or think, and this will be my daily prayer for all of you as you move forward in life. Thank you for keeping us all up to date through this blog.
I have been following Aimee’s story ever since it was published on foxnews.com Apparently god has major plans here for Aimee. Glad to see she is doing very well. God speed
Happy Anniversary to you and God bless you Aimee and your entire family. My love and continued prayers to all of you.
Thanking each of you for opening your lives and being transparent so that we can see the mighty power of God at work! I continue to pray for Aimee and all of you.
Aimee,
As a former Soldier in the US Army, I can say that I have seen a lot. Even though I was never deployed overseas. I have never met you, nor have I met all those I made an oath to defend. I believe with all my heart that I can say the following. You are one awesome soldier in God’s Mighty Army.
I want you to know what an amazing individual you are. I have been following your dads blog for some time now. You are such an inspiration with your unyielding faith in God. Truly He has performed a miracle in your life by letting you be a light unto others.
Though the path ahead may be rough, the rocks jagged, and the sun blazing hot, you will prevail.
To Andy and Donna,
As a mother myself I cannot fathom the heartache, the stress, or the worry that each of you have carried since the accident. But you are both an inspiration as well with your words of encouragement and that you are willing to share you struggles so openly with the world. I pray that God watches over your family and continues to Bless you each and every day.
May God Bless you each and every one.
Here is another inspirational Aimee doing a Ted talk …she is also an amputee. .. Aimee Mullins. … What a coincidence.. 🙂
youtube.com/watch?v=JQ0iMulicgg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
God bless…
Our Lord is blessing Aimee and using her as an instrument to turn a lot of peoples hearts to where they should be.
God Bless you all,
C
God Bless you and your family and Aimee is in my prayers.
I prayed for Aimee the minute I heard of her infection. What a special young lady she is and how blessed to have the roots of a good christian family. I will continue to pray for this young lady and you, her family. We do worship an awesome God!
May God continue to watch over and bless Aimee and your family with continued healing and strength.
May God continue to give you peace and strength as you lean on Him for your every need. Lifting your family up in prayer.
Each day I have prayed for Aimee and your family. And each day I am so reminded of of God’s goodness in this tragedy. As Romans 8:28 states ” And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Those days that I thnk I am having a bad day, I am reminded of Aimee and each of you. How shameful I feel; and I ask God to forgive me. I know that God will use Aimee in a mighty way and for His glory. I am looking forward to seeing the plans that God has for each of you. As i am sitting here writing this tears come to my eyes because I am so blessed to see your testimony of the graciousness of God in your life. Thank you for reminding me of God’s goodness.
My pastor talked about “loving one another as Jesus loves us”, this past Sunday. He said if we could just do that one thing, this world would be totally different. He said to just do that one thing and start within your own world first. And I see it happening here . . .
What a tragic, beautiful, heart-wrenching, grace-filled, amazing thing that is happening and I’m sure you can feel all the love being sent to you, Aimee and the rest of your family. Sending you all love and blessings!
travismills.org/Home_Page.html
Please read his site, regarding his treatment of
phantom pain.
Much love, prayers and awe over the power of God.
I started praying for Aimee as soon as I read about her. May God bless her with his peace and give her comfort as she heals.
As I read these updates aloud to my kids, it is always hard for me to even get through,without getting all choked up. I pray she has continued peace on her long road of recovery and acceptance. God bless all of you.
God bless you and your family. You sound like an awesome dad. I am so glad to hear that Aimee is doing better. I will continue to pray for her.
I will keep Aimee and the rest of the family in my prayers.
Praise God For Aimee. You may never know how many people Aimee’s accident touched. Our Heavenly Father is in control of all things, Praise him! What we may see as devastation, he can turn around and use for his Glory. If in our life time we can turn one person to God what a glories thing it is. In Amiee’s case many people are being reached.My prayers for Amiee and you her family are for speedy recovery, peace of mind, strength,bravery and continued love and guidance by her Heavenly Father.
God Bless, Marlene
I’m a college girl who prays for Aimee every night. The stories of her courageous strength and love for God are so powerful and absolutely amazing. I think of Aimee in my selfish moments of weakness and try to improve myself and become stronger because of the way that Aimee has been strong through her own struggles. Thank you for such a wonderful, amazing person, and also, thank you for the stories that prove a person’s miraculous courageousness through trusting God. Bless your family, and Happy Anniversary!
Thank you God for Aimee who has been an inspiration to those who need inspired. Your plan with Aimee has helped many others in ways they could not have imagined or explained. God is good all the time…even in our darkest hours, He is there to help us. I pray for the Copeland family to continue to use this life experience as an instrument to others. Jesus loves you!! Hugs!!
I have followed this since the day it hit the internet. You all amaze me. While at times I feel “sorry for myself” I’m learning that each day is a new day. I have weekly chemo along with a lot of other horrible drugs but I’m still kicking and watching Amiee fight back … I really questioned if she was going to make it …. now I know she will.
Your words inspired me.
Praying in NJ…
Praise God for HIS blessings on your family and Praise HIM for y’all being Aimee’s parents! Your whole family is such an inspiration to many people and oh how trivial some of our afflictions are compared to Aimee’s!I praise God that she has been able to make peace with HIM and her situation. I cannot fathom what she/y’all are having to endure. I pray God will send her the help and give her the ability to be able to once again do many things for herself and not have to be totally dependent on someone else. I believe she has the faith, persistence, and determination to do everything possible to recover as best as possible. Please tell her to NEVER EVER GIVE UP!! I pray God’s loving mercy, grace, and strength for Aimee and your family. HUGS!!!!
I’m sorry but I meant to tell you and your wife HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and thanks for sharing your intimate feelings and the updates on Aimee! Continued prayers being sent! Donna
As I am reading the responses. I too agree that Aimee is a miricle and has a beautiful attitude and is an amazing inspiration. Keeps my mind wandering to Joni Eareckson Tada and the inspiration she had/has been to so many people. God has great plans for your young lady and the impact she will have on this world.
We are so moved by Aimee’s story and your family’s courage in the face of all these difficulties. Know that many of us are quietly remembering you all and praying for Aimee
God bless you, Aimee and your family. He is such an awesome God and His blessing of one always provides multiple blessings, encouragement and hope to others.
Aimee’s story and your particular words:
“Many cannot understand why I am not angry and perplexed. I cannot wear two emotions. I am who I am. How can I be angry and happy? I can only trust in Him and allow Him to lead us. Love will drive us forward, but anger will only destroy us. With Jesus there is hope, with anger comes depression and fear. We fear nothing and we are hopeful for everything. This is our faith and I am pleased to share it with you.”
were an amazing source of encouragement to me when I contemplated from a very deep, dark valley, my purpose in life. Thank God for you and for Aimee! May He continue to richly bless you; and a very happy anniversary.
Be encouraged, as you have so greatly encouraged me in the Lord; and remember, “When peace like a river attendeth my soul, when sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul'”.
Always in His Hands,
Kae Thomas Palacio
Bermuda
Aimee is a miracle and has touched the world with her bravery and bright spirit. I continue to pray for a quick recovery and a beautiful future! God bless you and your family.
Andy, y’all are such an inspiration to all of us! No way we can ever thank you. Thanks for the constant updates and uplifting thoughts! Happy Anniversary to you and Donna and hugs to all!
Take care – we’re here for you and hope to see you soon!
God Bless all of you,
Susan
Like many, I have never met Aimee or any of your family. Like many, I have never prayed every day for someone I don’t even know. Praying for Aimee and your family has brought such peace, grace and graditude into my own life. It has truely been a pleasure to pray for ya’all. When I’m having a bad day, I think of Aimee, I think of her family and how emotionally exhausted you are but you keep on going because you have to. My problems seem and are so small in comparison to what your baby girl has endured. My best friends’ dad was severely burned in WWII, he lost all his fingers, had terribly deformed hands, severely burned face, chest and arms. He looked like a monster and little children were afraid of him. He was one of the first people to receive burn grafts and after a year, he was released from the hospital. He could have sat back and never worked again due to his deformities, however, he chose to become a door to door insurance salesman instead. I know Aimee has the same spirit. She has already touched so many lives and will continue to – her entire life! Continued prayers for you and your family. I wish I could take her pain away. Nerves take time to heal and she will continue to have good days and bad. She is entitled too but just knowing her family is by her side has to be so much comfort for her. Rest assured, we will continue to pray for her every day, and you too! God Bless you all!
Ms. Aimee,
What an inspiration you have been to many. I am way down in the dumps because I cannot find a job but my inability to secure employment is nothing compared to the fight you are fighting. Just to read what your dad is posting about you makes one step back and re-evaluate themselves and their lives. I’m so sorry you are having to go through this as well as your family. I don’t know if I could be as strong as you! You are proof that He is in control and that prayer is a very powerful thing. I’m continuing to pray for you beautiful! You and Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer) should meet! Peace!
Thank you for continuing to allow us into your life and letting us know about Aimee’s struggles. We are learning from her courage and her faith. She is a true inspiration to all of us. It makes me realize how we all must rely on Him not just for the blessings He gives us but for the trials we must go through. She is fighting the good fight and is showing such courage and resilience to adversity for someone so young! I pray that she continues to remain strong and at peace, and continues to show us how she and her entire family truly look to God to overcome what we know to be a devastating and life altering event. We just wish it hadn’t taken a terrible thing happening to someone so sweet as Aimee to remind us how fortunate we really are. God bless you and your family and know we are all praying for her!
Happy anniversary to you and your wife. Reading your post brought tears to my eyes. I feel so ashamed of ever complaining about my own aches and pains. God has blessed me in so many ways. I pray that Aimee’s spirit continues to be lifted. She has come so very far. God is good!
Aimee is making miracles.
Aimee’s story continues to inspire me and lift me as I face significant health challenges. I will keep her and your family in my prayers, and please keep me and my family in yours. With all that she has been through, no doubt, God has a plan for her life, and through it all, she has awakened the stillness of a people who reflect the goodness of God!
Aimee is an amazing young lady! I pray for peace and comfort for her. The Copeland family is beyond amazing. God bless you all!!
Our daughter was brain-injured in an auto accident at 25. She is now 41. We see God’s mighty work in everything that’s happened since and we trust that His plan is better than the one we had. But I still go back in my mind to that day when she was like other girls and wonder what might have been. I grieve for what we’ve lost; I guess I always will. But God saw fit to use us in a way we never expected, and I wouldn’t change it. Karyn is a miracle. She is happy and so are we. God’s grace is sufficient. God bless you; you are just beginning this journey. He will see you through.
Since I first read of Aimee’s condition and struggles my heart and prayers have been with you. I had been struggling with my brothers on going battle with inoperable cancer the effects it has had on my aging mother and friend and my own personal financial family struggles. I read Aimee’s story over and over and cried. Amazed at her strength and wonderful attitude. This whole experience has made me very grateful to our Lord. How great and mighty He is and through Him all things are possible. I know you know what a remarkable young lady your daughter is but to have been touched so deeply by someone I did not even know to feel the impact and the reminded “attitude adjustment it has provided me is beyond words. Thank you for your updates. Love and prayers for all of you. MJ
Thank you for sharing your updates with us. I’ve been following your blog and your Facebook page daily. Happy Anniversary to you and your wife, may you have many more years of happiness and faith together. I will keep you all in my prayers, especially sweet Aimee, God bless you all.
Love, Jessica
Everything happens for a reason. There is purpose even in this situation. Most definitely God is in control and He will be glorified through Aimee’s pain and suffering. Aimee is truly a blessed girl to allow God to use her for His glory. That means he trusts her and she has His favor. May God grant you His peace and comfort through this ordeal.
God has big plans for Aimee.
God Bless you all as you continue to go through the recovery process and deal with many challenges that Aimee will face in the days ahead. She has a terrific support team there for her and we are all praying for Aimee and your whole family. So glad she is alive and able to tell you how much she loves you! Hugs and prayers from New Hampshire to Aimee! Siobhan
The good news about Aimee’s continuing recovery is heartening. As an Intensive Care Unit nurse,I know that she she is receiving care and caring – intensively. It sounds like Aimee is giving her doctors, nurses, and the rest of the world a lesson in the power of faith, prayer, and courage
As devastating as the situation is, I believe that Aimee and your family are here to teach us all something. You all exemplify grace under pressure andf I thank you. May her recovery continue fluidly and seamlessly. Blessings on your family.
Happy Anniversary!!! Thanks for the blog, this helps me to pray specifically for Aimee’s needs. I was also having a pity party when I saw the article in the Dayton Daily news about Aimee. I had a hip replacement a few years ago, and have arthritis in many parts of the body. I have a hard time getting around, but can walk and have my members. When I read about Aimee, it changed me. I think of Aimee when ever I start complaining, or get grouchy.
God Bless you all, and many prayers going out to Aimee and family.
Monica
I believe God has a very special purpose for Aimee. It may not be evident right now but I truly believe that purpose will be revealed to Aimee, her family, her friends and quite possibly the entire world. God will guide Aimee through her faith. I will continue to pray for Aimee and your entire family. May God bless you and your family.
I’d like to pass on to you this Quote from St.Francis De Sales . <My Dear Aunt had this in her Bible ….she wrote at the top…READ EVERYDAY:
"Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear. Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. God has kept you hitherto.
Do but hold fast to His dear hand (with your heart and soul)and He will lead you safely through all things. When you cannot stand, he will bear your in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow for the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, Be at peace. Put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations" This quote has saved me from many Hardships…and Aimee has followed it so well, I felt lead to send it to her. Having read and kept up with Aimee's story I Know she and her whole family are already following St. Francis's Lead. I pray for your daughter, and Aimee, thank-you for being an inspiration to all of us. I keep this Quote near me at all times, for the times my faith needs a little help. Its easy to lay down and cry sometimes…..but God always pulls me up, and shows me how Blessed I am. God Bless your family. you are in my prayers.
I know about your tragedy from internet . I watching you and i feel with your family and chiefly with Aimee . Life can be so difficult and i must think on Aimee every day .
I wish you good luck and much power from Czech republic .
Thank you for sharing such intimate details about your family with the world. Such a INSPIRATION and BLESSING to me.
I found this article dealing with PHANTOM PAIN. It seems that certain people have had success with using a mirror box, devised by Dr. V.S. Ramachandran, a researcher at the University of California, San Diego. Essentially, it tricks the brain into thinking that the phantom limb is receiving the information it is sending it. agrabilityinga.com/phantompain.html One of the patients interviewed in the video describes the sensation of his hand being clenched up really tight, causes him great discomfort. It seemed somehow similar to Aimee’s description of her pain as being like “carrying bags of rocks”. Perhaps it is something that will help Aimee as well. God Bless you all. You are in my prayers.
Reading about Aimee has sincerely touched my life, and I asked God to give me half of her courage. I have issues with anxiety and OCD, and I used to feel like I couldn’t overcome them. I used to feel crippled by them.
Ever since I learned about Aimee, I have been working on being more courageous and every day I pray for courage. I have been dealing with things a lot better, and every time I feel overwhelmed I remember Aimee, and I don’t give up.
I pray for Aimee and all of you regularly, and think about you guys a lot.
We are all Copelands. We all stand by you.
yours in Christ,
Lisa
You have alot of friends out here that are always here for you. We are here for you as you have touched our hearts in many ways!! God bless you and your family–You’re always being thought of!! <3
God bless you and your wonderful family. Aimee (and you) are such an inspiration to others; more than you can know. You have been and will continue to be in all my prayers. Prayers is the answer. God will continue to work miracles in your life, if you ask, and allow him to.
We almost lost all three of our children (teenagers then)to various causes, but God saw to spare them. Today they are wonderful people and a blessing to all who know them. I know first hand what prayer can do.
There is a site “Caring Bridge” you might want to check out. Then, you write daily happenings, concerns, joys, etc.. and everyone who is hooked up with you can read them daily, so you don’t have to write each person back individually. It is also a way to keep the prayer chain growing and you will get much inspiration from those who write you.
God bless you in all your endeavors. Keep the strong faith you have and know that many people whom you do not know will hold you in their prayers. I pray God continues to work more miracles in Aimee’s life, and in yours.
God’s peace….
Hello the Copeland Family!!
I come to this page three to four times a week and just witness that GOD is in control. My daily prayer is for this family. GOD is using Aimee for other that is weak. It is a daily inspiration for me to see the miracles of GOD and the strength of Aimee.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Aimee. I had polio as a child and have had many many surgeries. This morning as I got up to put my long brace brace on and grab my short crutches, I thought of Aimee and remembered that Aimee would love a foot to put in a brace. Aimee, God has a plan for you and I assure you and that you have already done more and touched more lives than you can imagine. It is OK to be angry, even OK to be sad but never forget your journey in life is going to inspire and help some many people. May God keep his loving arms around you as you “walk” out of this valley.
Dear Copeland Family: it was fabulous coming home from work and seeing that you had posted an update on Aimee….First Happy Anniversary as it is your union of love that brought Aimee here and is sustaining her through this horrible time. Didn’t know that you were bringing such an inspirational child into this world did you? You must be very honored that God gave you this special child to raise to this point in her life until He took over and began His plan for her….How frightening it must be,in all truth, to pause all your PLANS for Aimee and hand the reins over to our God without question and with true and complete belief …with no reservations….How terribly terrifying it must be for Aimee to fight out of the fog in her head to get to the surface and find herself in the situation she is in. But she has the definite advantage of directly feeling, seeing, smelling and hearing Our Lord. That must have been a tad disorientating at first, but oh how I would love to feel that so definitely within my heart and soul.It sounds like, from your update, that she has come into herself enough to fully realize her condition and that is enabling her to open her heart, soul and mind to God. How very small she must feel, but how loved and adored she must KNOW she is. Her bravery in this ordeal is so uplifting and her anger is justified and expected…I would also expect for her to go through a period of mourning, which may be even worse than the physical pain she is suffering so at this time, as she will have to completely change her life and her ways and that is like a death of self, but she is a PHOENIX arising from the ashes of her agony, soaring up and out and beyond at God’s command, through His will. He will hold her and guide her and allow His child to grieve and rage and heal. And with that she will be a new being, shining even brighter with God’s presence within her soul~ brighter than she was before, if that is possible. And the most wonderful part of all of this is that her beautiful parents and sister are there for every step and are sharing and being bathed in God’s powerful grace and love every single second of every single hour of every day. He has you all watching His miraculous works and allowing you to be present at a very special event. And God DOES know what He is doing…He picked the absolute most perfect people for this task…A strong young woman to suffer with a loving family each with a solid heart of gold and a father within the family that has a marvelous way with words that has taken God’s breathed instructions and hit the ground running.Your part in this is just as important …Copeland Family…as Aimee’s part…You are bringing God’s words and actions… HIS LOVE and HIS MIRACLES to the world and the world is listening….I am so humbled.
God has blessed you all and through your words you bless us for Him.
I am so inspired by your story. Aimee, you are truly an amazing person. Never lose your faith. I am so glad that you are getting better. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I have just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and am constantly in pain. Your story gives me the faith to continue on through the pain. Thank you so much, Aimee. God bless you! Love, Shannon
We are all Your Family now. I’m from Poland , but I’m living in Turkey now , so with my all friends from 2 countries in 2 religions we pray about You Aimee. Think only positive and our hope must help YOU together with doctors. Will be GOOD, JUST MUST BE GOOD !!!
Dear Aimee and the Copeland Family,
Thank you for the up-dates on Aimee’s health. Keep it steady GIRL! Each time I read your post I know that my prayers are being answered. The Copeland Strength has reached so many of us out here. I would be so PROUD to call you my family!! My own family waits for your updates from ME. You have set the bar so HIGH and I feel as if GOD is trying to tell us to watch and see!
There is still so much more to GO…please keep us informed and know that you are being thought of DAILY.
Sincerely and with kindness, Patricia
I have prayed for Aimee since the day I heard about her on the news. I check everyday on facebook for an update and I thank you for taking time to do this. People all over this world knows Aimee’s story and they also know the faith your family has in the Lord. Through her pain, there are people that would never have heard of Jesus. I pray for all of Aimee’s family and all that love her, for God to help them know what to do to help Aimee. God bless you all!
Keep on keepin on Aimee. You are an inspiration to anyone who has a heartbeat. God Bless you and your faimily. xo
Amides family and amiee. I still lift you all up in prayer. I know with the miracle healing you just described that god most certainly has a purpose and plan for you alls suffering. We will just have to wait and see what it is. I have a friend named Janet Claire bombard who lost her arm. She was what you might call a professional dancer. Within 3months she was dancing again with a prosthetic arm. I know her issue is way less than amiee but it is encouraging. She ended up working for the prosthetic company and loves her job. Hang in their amiee. God loves you and I am very impressed with your will power and determination. I can’t wait. To see the wonderful things god does thru you and for you. Claire
Congratulations on your anniversary!
Aimee has certainly struck a chord with the world and no doubt inspired all who’ve heard her story. Our thoughts and prayers remain with your entire family.
Here are a few more messages from the last couple of weeks (be sure and click on “View previous comments” to see them all: facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=431109660240206
So great to hear that Aimee is getting better and has reached out to a higher power. I wish Aimee and the rest of your family only the best. Stay positive!
I am so inspired by your faith and courage. I know God is pleased with how well you have honored His name throughout your entire ordeal. Oh that the Body of Christ could portray this beautiful picture of trust more often! May God richly bless you as you continue to honor Him. I am certain He will be faithful to do just that!
Love and light to you Aimee.
Happy (belated) Anniversary to you, Andy and Donna!! And I send my best wishes to Aimee. She has my utmost admiration. You’re tough as a bag of hammers kid!!! Will you marry me??
Mr Copeland, I have been quietly following your posts on Aimee and praying for her and your family. She is a very strong person. Your comment on Aimee’s Phantom pain made me remember reading in the book (“The Brain that Changes itself” by Norman Doidge, M.D.)a chapter about Phantom pain. At my brothers request when he had a major stroke, I purchased this book. Please check this book out as it may help you help Aimee with her Phantom pain. If you want I will gladly send the book to you. Many prayers and much hope to your family and Aimee.
Thanks for the update, I have been continuing to pray for Aimee and the rest of the family. If I may ask what is the status of the fundraising effort and is there still a need for blood?
A source of encouragement if needed is the story of Nick Vujicic. you may already be familiar with it but if not his ministry’s website is lifewithoutlimbs.org It too is an amazing story of God’s grace.
Another (but different) source of encouragement would be Austin’s Cupcake Fund on Facebook (facebook.com/AustinsCupcakeFund ) . Austin is my grandson who was born with a disease that necessitated the removal of 90% of his intestines. He is raising money for groundbreaking research to develop artificial intestines at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Praying for the Lord’s sustaining grace for all of you.
Andy, thank you so much for the update. Although we are many miles apart, I have felt so spiritually connected to your family through this. I am so convinced of God’s plans for our lives, but He works in mysterious ways that we certainly do not always understand. It is so beautiful how you described how Aimee surrendered herself to Him and felt His peace. I come with such a humble, grateful, and compassionate spirit because of what happened in my life just a few weeks prior to Aimee’s accident. On March 25, I witnessed my wife as she was thrown high in the air from a “new” horse of ours and I raced to her side to find all the bones near her ankle protruding through her skin. We knew in an instant that her future had changed, at least for awhile, as this was a severe injury. But we prayed over her while waiting for the ambulance to arrive and she was blessed with a peace that has persisted throughout her sometimes very painful recovery. What I didn’t know at the time she was injured was that within less than 48 hours, I would be dragging myself into a local clinic (the second one that day after the first one told me they didn’t have time). I was sick with fever, most of my left arm was so painful and swollen that it was almost useless, it was red and purple and very hot. A blood test showed that my body was using all of its resources to fight an invasive deep tissue infection. Within hours I would have gone septic. By God’s grace I didn’t wait another day and go back to the first clinic that I stopped at. It wasn’t until Aimee’s story came out that I really realized what I came so close to myself. Different bacteria, same potential results. When I asked my healthcare providers a few more questions later, I was stunned by what was actually going on. I have followed Aimee’s progress as if she was my little sister. I want you all to know, I’ve prayed for you daily. Through your situation and my own near miss, I have a newfound appreciation for life, I have a renewed committment to help others in need. I particularly want to help others who have lost limbs due to injury or disease. God Bless you dearly. I know God has a plan for you that is going to be incredibly awesome. I also have a plan of how I would like to help you by conducting a fundraiser concert in my community and will send a letter with details.
Andy, Jerry and I are praying for your family every day. Aimee must have her dad’s strong faith for Jerry and I have known since we first met you that you were a Godly person. Sounds like your family follows the same path. Your blogs are very appreciated and so beautifully written. God bless to all!!! Martha and Jerry
Thank you for the update & testimony. I must admit I’d been so busy recently that though I’d heard of your daughter, I hadn’t given it much thought or prayer. I just said a prayer & will continue to do so. Please let her know that she is an inspiration & that everyone is wishing her the best. You guys as well. My family has been dealt with some hard blows lately with illnesses & it just serves as a reminder to how precious family & life are. God bless you all!
Happy Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs Copeland, God bless you and thank you to shared with us you soul, what a great testimony, I also pray for the people involve on her care, doctors nurses and caregiver, to delivery the compassion and tender she need. Have a great evening and I hope you list you have a dinner with your beutiful wife.
There is not one person, who in praying for Aimee, would not wish this nightmare hadn’t never happened to her. Yet how evident her spirit is through your heartfelt sharing, is profoundly humbling to me and gives me strength and hope. That you all would make the conscious choice to be living examples of God’s outpouring love, is a blessing to all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
“Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;
Pressed so intensely it seems, beyond strength;
Pressed in the body and pressed in the soul,
Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and pressure from friends.
Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.
Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;
Pressed into faith for impossible things.
Pressed into living a life in the Lord,
Pressed into living a Christ-life outpoured.”
from “Streams in the Desert”
andy,
i wonder if you’ve considered chiropractic treatment to address aimee’s phantom pains? some years back i had a frozen shoulder and went through 2 months of intensive physical therapy with little or no relief. so i tried chiropractic medicine and it worked! since chiopractors work on the muscles and nerves in the spine to relieve pain and promote healing, it seems logical to me that spinal adjustment could have a positive impact for aimee. just a thought…
two years ago i had a stroke that affected my balance center in my brain and left me unable to walk. i had always heard that what didn’t come back in 6 months wasn’t coming back…wrong!!! at age 62 i recently took my first unaided steps and am on my way back to independece again! i had become depressed and negative about my chances for compete recovery, but was inspired by aimee’s struggles to perservere, and wow…how far i’ve come! so hang in there, aimmee and family…with God’s help. the sky is the lmit!
To think there are times I complain about the smallest things from where I will eat for lunch to a broken heart. Stories like Aimee’s has inspired me to practice gratitude and to be content. My prayers go out to the Copeland family.
Amanda
What an inspiration your daughter,you and your wife are to me! I know the power of God and I know he has worked miracles in your daughters life! So thankful that you have acknowledge who your help comes from…..I am continually praying for her and please tell her this Louisiana girl loves her!!!!!! God bless y’all…………..
Copeland family, I know I speak for many when I share, that we may not physically be with you in the ICU, but WE ARE with you, every minute of every day we pray for each of you and feel God’s presence and LOVE that fills that room. Because of your strength to share Aimee’s story, we have all grown closer to Christ. We know specifically to pray for the phantom pains to cease immediately. Thank GOD for you and your family in bringing us all to the feet of the Lord and reminding us what is really truly important. Continued love and prayers to you all! Happy 29th Anniversary! God Bless
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding Proverbs 3:5
Andy,
You are the epitome of selfishness and cruelness, not to mention sissy(Aimee Day).
If you truly, truly loved her, you would have taken her off life support before she gained consciousness. What kind of life can she have compared to what she had. And the only reason she does not ask you to pull the plug is because of her fear of hurting you and the family. So she in essence, she it trapped.
By the way, a loving god would never play this cruel game with his children. Come up with all the pathetic justification you want.
Your a pig and I seriously doubt you know what true love is.
Mike…I feel awful for you as you most definitely are not reading the whole story…Aimee’s mind is sound and she is not on life support therefore there was no plug to pull…..How can loving your child be selfish and cruel? The Copeland’s are facing this with a grace and abundance of faith that should be applauded. The fact that you took the time to write something so negative only shows that you clearly do not understand the the bigger picture. Those of us that believe in God do not ever even consider that God Himself caused our problems, accidents or tragedies…We are born with free will and we make decisions all day that effect everything that happens after…God has given us the gift of free will and the ability to live our lives as we choose, HOWEVER when something like this happens of course we will turn to Him for help. He is almighty and powerful and can fix anything at anytime for any reason. But He also has a plan for us…it is obvious that God is allowing Aimee and her family to be in the so-called spotlight for this short time to teach people something. If you read the other comments people are praying and giving support through words, others are learning lessons from the families humility and strong show of spirituality, and others are seeing that maybe their problems aren’t quite as bad when compared to what Aimee is facing. In all of the blogs, Mr Copeland has been very honest in describing Aimee’s mental status from confused to happy to angry to depressed to contemplative to overjoyed. She is handling a horrific amount of pain and will face a huge change in the way she lives her life…but from all the blogs and newspaper articles there has never been a mention of Aimee expressing any thoughts towards ‘why didn’t you just let me die?’…That may have been your reaction, but deep in my heart I really don’t think so…we all WANT TO LIVE and will fight to do just that. I know that you probably didn’t mean to come off so unfriendly and but the pig reference was especially hurtful. You are entitled to your own opinion, but this family is going through their own personal hell, so maybe taking a step back and just keeping your feelings to yourself would have been the kinder thing to do… No harm meant by my words, but your words made ME cry and I am not related to them at all…so imagine what the Copeland’s feel? I am sure you didnt mean That…God Bless you Mike.
No. The father, and maybe others. did not want to hurt by her being gone, so they may a selfish decision to avoid the hurt. What a short sided and stupid decision that was.
The pain the family will endure will be immeasurable vs what it would have been (what 1-2 years grief) had they had humanly let her go. Remember the doctors gave her an extremely small chance of living. I believe to give the family a way out.
Nature will penalize their greed in so many ways, not the least of which is the main topic of this thread, her realization of the decision they made. Oh lord at the counseling she will need for the not only the physical loss, but dealing with the knowledge that the people around her cared only about avoiding their loss vs what was truly best for her. I can bet you she will, if she hasn’t already, make it clear to the family, should things turn worse, that they pull the plug this time.
Ok. Regarding FREE WILL. It is not free if half the decision involves burning in hell. FREE means the same risks/rewards can be on either side. Who would won’t to burn in hell? Exactly, no one. So it is not Free. If you are slightly coherent you will choose streets of gold (omg). I remember, at 12 years old, thinking what a crock the concept of heaven is.
In answer to your answer Mike, I can only say that you are either very very young or you have been beaten half to death by life and you have no hope whatsoever left in your heart. I believe Aimee is overwhelmed with joy that her family and doctors did all they could to help her. You seem to forget or not realize that if it were in God’s plan for her to die, she would have died regardless of the miracle drugs, procedures, prayers and get-togethers. If God wants her by His side at ANY point He will take her and those of us that followed this will mourn and her family will mourn and try to go on…but for you to belittle the mourning process by saying that they would be upset and miss her for 1 or 2 years really points to a misinformed youth or completely not with it adult. As far as your ‘argument’ regarding free will, one choice is good and pure and honest and life-giving and the other choice is evil and pain and horror and a terrible life ….you don’t get both ends with each one…its one or the other….You cannot live your life KNOWING that you have to try to be good and kind and believe in God, but worship the dark one and wreck havoc and cause pain and perform evil atrocities and then right when you are ready to die say ‘Oh God i am sorry , I know I should have been good, but the place I am going is horrible and hot, so I think I will go to You, cuz I really did believe but Your rules were just a little too hard and no fun whatsoever’. IT DONT WORK THAT WAY. Someday you will get it. Something will click and you will realize that your reasoning is flawed and that you are worthy of heaven and that God has always watched out for you even when you were shrugging His hand off your shoulder and trying to kick your way out of His arms….I feel sorry for you and I really hope that that day is very soon because TAKE A LOOK AT AIMEE…you NEVER know when your life is going to change and your life is in question…And just so you know …I am NOT a born again holy roller type person(not that there is anything wrong with that but the ‘born agains’ are ALWAYS put down and tortured with insults and I want to make it clear that its not just Born agains that feel this way,,,,so dont be offended please)I am a Catholic woman who very old fashioned in her beliefs..And my heart just hurts for you and it continues to reach out with love to you in hopes that you at least understand what we are trying to say through our positive messages to the Copelands….you dont have to join in …just understand and be tolerant, and try to be less hurtful with your words, please as a fellow human….please dont write any more hurtful things. They are being very tolerant and not removing your posts so please dont hurt them again
Mike,
Please seek help. You are obviously very, very sick.
My name is Mike also but after having read your stupid insensitve post I am thinking about changing my name. You have no earthly idea the bond that this family has. When Aimee was told about the need to amputate her hands and other foot she said “Let’s do this.” Does this sound like someone who wishes they would have been left to die? You, sir, are the cold hearted one who doesn’t understand the meaning of love. I sure do hope that you don’t have any children. You have made it very clear that, if given the circumstance, you would prefer that your children die, rather than fight to keep them alive. My only prayer is that God will protect any children you have from a father like you.
Mike, you cannot grasp the big picture here can you. How pathetic. Of course, Aimee said, “Let’s do this.” Why? Because of her love for the parents and not wanting them to feel even more quilt than (if they have any blood in their veins) they already had. How if she has a heart, can she look them in the face and ask, “What the hell did you do?”
It is so easy for each of you typists (ask Aimee about how she would love to be able to do that) to project what you feel is best. For her to have the hour to hour mental anguish for days, months and maybe years is simply cruel and inhumane. Could it have been avoided? Absolutely. I bet any doctor involved knew her chances were better than slim, but they thought humanely and tried to give Andy a way out.
Now the family is asking for money. So, again selfishly, Andy did not look at the big picture. This was wrong. Her life is totally upside down. Ask about her Mr. Right, here white wedding, about running and playing with the kids. I can hear the pathetic Christian response but where is the true compassion for every one involved.
Hey Mike,
ADMIN NOTE: It is I, friend of Aimee, and many others who love her and love her family who have led the fundraising efforts. We were not involved in(or judging) any decisions on her treatment, yet we can be involved in her future quality of life. I placed the Paypal donation button on this site so that those with sympathetic hearts could donate to make her future softer, sweeter, and more supportive. This has nothing to do with decisions made in the hospital- it has to do with managing the situation of now. The only involvement that Andy has had in the fundraising efforts that I am aware of is simply giving them his consent. It was my idea to put the Paypal donation link on this site, and I requested of him to establish the account so that I could do so. Hope this helps clear up that one point of confusion.
-Ken
Mike,
I have lupus (SLE – systemic lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and fibromyalgia – it has been very painful physically, emotionally and socially for the last 21 years and I’m now 42. I take 130 mg. of methadone at a time specifically for pain – not for heroin or drug usage – methadone is also used for severe pain. While my pain is severe, it’s probably realistically quite comparatively a lot more reduced that the pain Aimee has been feeling and will feel in the future. And, it sounds like Aimee’s body can’t tolerate pain killers, either, so it doesn’t sound like that’s even an option for her right now and maybe not in the future to get through the pain. I have found feeling sorry for myself at certain times because of the pain I have had and do have… but that seriously won’t be the case anymore there will not be anymore self pity parties at all now! And, that’s because I have read all of the updates of what Aimee Copeland has gone through from Mr. Copeland’s updates. I can tell you I’ve learned so much, too, about myself throught those updates. While I felt sorry for myself, though, I never ever wanted to die or would have wanted anybody to make that decision for me to let me go down so easily without a fight. Never. I want to live with all the pain no matter what and I don’t even have children and never will because of my health issues. I don’t have to live for my children because there are none. What keeps me going is my identical twin sister who also has these problems, my parents, my nephew, friends and other sister. I do realize that I am of importantance and of great value to my family and friends… and selfishly, to myself, I don’t want to leave, yet. I have a lot to do on my bucket list. I do concede that I’ve probably been a little bit of a burden on my mother somewhat financially, but she seems to do this very willingly and very lovingly. I’ve told her, “It weighs heavily on my mind,” and her response back was, “Don’t make yourself miserable over it and, Love you, Mom.”
Mike, you don’t need to air your negative sentiments to Mr. Copeland and all of the others on this blog. The family sees this blog. It’s very hurtful, senseless and very unnecessary. Not needed or wished for and very inappropriate.
Have you learned anything about Aimee Copeland’s or Mr. Copeland’s journeys’? They are both (and the whole family) going through he– and have been for weeks. I would guesstimate that at least 1000 pints of blood have been donated in Aimee’s honor. I would love to know the true number of how many pints have, indeed, been donated in her honor? Anybody know?
Thank you for reading this, Mike – I have to believe there is some good in you to take the time to read our responses to your hateful messages. God bless you
My prayers continue for Aimee and also for the family. I often wonder how she is doing and I thank you for the update. Your faith will get you through this. I know it will.
We are all truly sad now and it didn’t have to be that way had you manned up and faced what you needed to face.
The WRONG decision was made and now everyone has to live with it. Great job AH.
Mike, don’t you ever say anything like that again! That is very hurtful, & you should be ashamed. I suggest you look at yourself first because your comments are reprehensible & you must have something bothering you. I don’t know who you are & I don’t care… you are speaking out of ignorance & nothing more.
James, This is late posting and I pray you see my post. As a patient that is now 3 years June12th recovering from my blood sugar dropping to 15 while I was a Sleep and Alone. I have now had 10 reconstructive surgeries and not sure at how many debridments. I Thank God everyday that God has allowed called people to be doctors and surgeons. It’s because I had the faith in my Atlanta doctor that I called from Mississippi. My doctor had done his residency at The University of MS. My feet were in severe shape and I had to sign several times for amputation. But, by the Grace of God and Surgeons my wounds and bone infection looked better inside each time. It has been a hard grueling 3 years. But, I am very THANKFUL A DOCTOR was able to see the small improvement and held off. It was the scariest and most painful mentally and physical I have ever endured. It took over 4 months before it was safe to come back to my home outside Atlanta, GA….THANK YOU and God Bless Your Dedication. I have multiple health issues still today and in continuous oxygen for my feet to continue to heal. Knowing first hand how bad it hurts cor the skin to be taken off the one area. I have volunteered to give skin or muscle tissue. My left foot you could see from the arch of my foot through to the 4 th toe and the right foot the ankle bone was exposed and surrounding tissue. I pray daily for Aimee. I live in the same county where Aimee goes to college. Thank you and my personal doctor Dr. Gleason For your dedicated lives. Rita Henry. Rihenry@Aol.com
Don’t think for a heartbeat that lashing out at the nurses is not meant for you too. At times the rest of her life, she will know true hate.
I’m sure the hospital has all the latest stuff available to them but I just want to throw this out there. When Aimee is ready for skin grafting, look into a company called Dermagraph. I believe it’s relatively new. I work for a podiatrist’s office and we have a few diabetic patients who are at high risk for amputation. After a Dermagraph treatment, their ulcers healed quickly and beautifully. Best wishes!
To the Copeland family:
I just read in the AJC where Aimee is having good days and bad days during the course of her recovery. I was glad to hear that she turns to God on those bad days because he’s still the Great Physician. My wife and I have been praying for her since we first learned of her accident and we will continue to lift both she and the whole family up. ?
Even though I have never had the pleasure of meeting Aimee, I feel as if we share a bond because I too am a medical miracle. I was born with Hydrocephalus (“water on the brain”) and my family was told that I wouldn’t live but about two years and never move. Well, that was almost 49 years ago, and Heavenly Father hasn’t called me home yet! Oh, I know for a fact that Aimee has one of the best nurses around in Keith Donker! I’ve known Keith for 15 years this month and I’ve come to understand that Keith is the absolute best at what he does!
You think your life is bad until you read your story and the life of Amiee..I pray that my kids know Jesus the way your family knows him..I need to have a better relationship with him as well.. your story really touched me and I hope someday that I have the priviledge of meeting your family..May God bless you and your family in Jesus name
wow.
Your family and Aimee are amazing. Its as simple as that. I will be praying for Aimee’s continued recovery and ca honestly say I have been changed by reading her story. Love to your entire family!!
Aimee has chosen a wise path to follow — surrendering her will and submitting to God’s will. She is following in the footsteps of the many faithful who set aside their own plans and ambitions to be used to God’s glory instead – Mary, Peter, Abraham, Noah… May God BLESS her abundantly and give her great peace.
(P.S. My husband is an NF survivor — fully attributed to God’s grace and the power of prayer!)
God bless your family and give Aimee strength and peace through her ordeal.
Aimee and your family have no idea how many people you touch. Your story has changed so may moments and so many lives. For each of us that are reading and praying during your journey, we take that energy and soulfulness out into the world, like a ripple of courage and strength. Because of Aimee, mountains are being moved. People are rising up and finding the courage…all because you and your family are rising up and finding courage. Sending you good energy and prayers that you continue to move mountains!
I feel sorry for myself all the time. I have not lived the life I wanted to live. I fell in with the wrong crowd and was a follower. I abused cocaine for many years, still do on occasion unfortunately as depression always bring me back to doing something self destructive. My finances are in a shambles, I have a decent job but can see no good future for myself. I am in pain all the time, due to the drug abuse and medications I am on. And yes I see what this gorgeous girl is going through and think to myself I should stop asking why things have gone so wrong for me. Most people who reply here are religious. I am not. I am not sure if there is a God or not. If there is, he must have zero control over what happens on this planet. Because no one, NO ONE , can tell me that a good person with such a bright future like Aimee is better off having no hands and feet and only 1 leg. God is great? Why because doctors poured gallons and gallons of antibiotics into her to try and stop that bacteria? Maybe he is great, I surely hope so as I would love to see him some day in the future and tell him thank you for all that he created. But if he had a hand in Aimee’s situation or in anyone’s horrible health issues including the direction my life went then I won’t be saying thank you to him. I will be asking how he could do this to one of his children. What greater purpose does it serve? This kid was going to do great things, maybe she still will but she didn’t deserve this. She didn’t need to be crippled. She is strong, I would have pulled every tube out of my body by now. I am weak minded and God never reply’s to my questions or prayers. I am still alive so maybe that is something. I still don’t understand how he lets all the terrible stuff happen, there is no good reason for what happened to Aimee. None. Even God can never convince me of that. God is good? Maybe..maybe he is up there watching and praying over us. I just don’t see him doing this to Aimee to prove some religious point. Sorry, having a bad time of it lately. I am hoping Aimee continues to improve. I hate that this happened to her.
Anthony….I lived the same life that you do and I definitely got angry at God and blamed Him for all of the stuff that I myself caused but it was easier to blame Him ….why didnt You help me God? Why dont you help me get a good job? I need money for my rent, God…help me? All those years of demands and anger and tears and I felt so abandoned….I slipped into a very serious drug addiction and to this day I do not know why I didnt die…Why didnt God just turn His back on me? I bugged Him constantly and I NEVER EVER gave anything TO HIM! Once I got myself clean ( I am on methadone …for 10 yrs now…NEVER relapsed and have been steady for every single one of those 10 days) I never looked back and I trudged on and tried to clean my messes and right my wrongs and become a decent person… Well, Anthony it aint easy….I still struggle daily with life even being 1000% clean, I still hurt, I still dont get everything I want but I am alive and I do know it’s because of God,,,,I do not know what He has planned for me and there are so many times I want to give up but I JUST CANT! I do know there is a God…I have seen too much in my life to discount His presence….I think you are kinda hurting still in your heart and you need to have someone that can listen to you and let you vent and help you see the good that is there not just all those dark clouds….Please dont give up…it will get better…it may not be fantastic…but it can be better than it is …I promise u that…If you want to talk look me up on face book,,,,Sandra Dee G….you should be able to find me ez!!!!(I am in Florida) Good Luck and Be Blessed…BUT DONT GIVE UP>>>OK?
Anthony –
I have a similar past as your own, and this story also forced me to re-evaluate everything I thought I knew regarding spirituality. If there is a “God” who could create anything, why would it create a world full of so much pain and suffering?
After alot of thinking and asking spiritual people how they accept this issue, I realized something: Every bad thing that happens on this planet is an opportunity for us to do good. If life was always perfect and nothing bad existed, there would be no test, and no purpose for any of it. If there was never any adversity to overcome, love and goodness would not exist.
Take care of yourself Anthony and stay clean! Life and existence itself is such a strange phenomenon, respect it while you can!
I thank my God upon every remembrance of the Copeland’s: Aimee, Andy, Donna, and Paige.
Deuteronomy 33:26-27, “…there is no one like ?l, riding the heavens to help you, and on the clouds, in His excellency. The Elohim of old is a refuge, and beneath are [His] everlasting arms. And He drives out the enemy from before you…”
God is so Good Praying Amiee and all the family
To be able to witness the power of prayer is simply amazing. Quite frankly, that is what has helped Aimee to this point. The infection that she had was a very bad one, and usually takes more lives than the numbers that recover. Thankfully Aimee was young and healthy to be able to fight and continue fighting this infection. Two people in my family (mom & brother) had to endure this infection. My mother died as a direct result of this infection from a 2in cut on her elbow. So, I know what this infection can do. It is a true miracle that Aimee has been able to fight and survive.There’s no way to ever know the number of lives that Aimee’s story has touched and made a positive difference. Hopefully when she feels better and wants to go back and read the updates and comments, she will realize the blessing that her faith has brought to many. For Aimee’s family, know that prayers are going up for you all as well. Your support, caregiving, reassurance and love is what has helped bring Aimee this far. Keep fighting!!
Aimee, You are in my prayers.I am 2 year old and GOD will definately listen to me.You will soon become healthy.Love You.
God Bless You and your family. God has given Aimee a new direction in life and I know that she with y’alls support will do wonderful things in the future for the glory of God. Keep up the terrific posts that are keeping us informed and also make us humble as to what is truly needed on this earth. Prayers for you and your family, Nell
I have been following your story since I first heard about it on the news. I so believe in the power of prayer and have been sending many prayers to Aimee and your family. I almost lost my daughter about 1 1/2 years ago due to blood clots. She is not 22 and still has issues from setbacks to the surgery she had on her foot and then she had the blood clots. Every update that I read about Aimee brings tears to my eyes. I know that the prayers that we focused on my Kristy brought her back to us, she spent 6 days on life support and we almost lost her on that last day. The tremendous out pouring of prayer that I later found out was happening, I believe was the reason that god did not take her that day. You have Aimee and I will continue to send prayers your way. I hope that it has helped you by keeping this blog going. I kept a journal for my Kristy that she reads often. May god be with you and I hope that Aimee continues to heal!
Cheryl Boden
Harrisville, Michigan
I thank God that he has listened to all the prayers. Tell Aimee that we are all pulling for her.
Aimee’s story is an inspiration. She has a wonderful support system. My thougths and prayers are with Aimee and her family.
Andy,
I’ve been reading your blog from the beginning and praying for Aimee. There really are no words, and I certainly cannot pretend to understand what any of you are going through. The only direct words of guidance in prayer I heard from God were to pray for the fortification of Aimee’s psyche, that she would become an impenetrable fortress.
I do have a song that speaks to some of what you wrote in this blog called “Pour Me Out.” The verse is “In my weakness, you are strong. In my darkness, you are light. In my sadness, you are joy. In my fear, you are almighty. In my despair, you are hope. In my doubt, you are faith. In my trouble, you are peace. When I tremble, you are unshaken.
juliepowellcaldwell.com/PourMeOut.mp3
I hope it blesses you and your family, especially on the days when you are struggling. May God’s presence continue to sustain you. Thank you for allowing us to walk along beside you and for being so open with Aimee’s journey.
Julie
I have been following Aimee’s story since the beginning. I look at the site everyday for an update, and surprise here was one for June 4th. My thoughts are with her so much each day as I meet silly challenges at work or my bills or whatever. I do want to say that she has already shown unbelievable courage and I know whe will be “poopy” again and again but with the grace of God have peace with each struggle. I hope that she doesn’t feel like she has the burden of having to be a hero or the rest of us. This is all about her and God. Lots of Love Aimee eventhough I don’t know you personally! Mimi
My faith in God grows hearing yor testimonies!
I will keep your family in my prayers.
In his love,
Kelly
Andy,
Brazil’s praying for Aimee.
We all hope God make its best decision and allow Aimee to keep on her fight for her life.
From now on, I just that you have all the wisdom to handle your feelings the best way you can.
May God bless your family.
Best wishes.
God bless Aimee. I have yet to hear of a more courageous girl! I pray Aimee gets better and very soon. I wish strength to Aimee’s family.
May God’s continued intimate presence be your greatest source of peace, strength, love, joy and all that you all need at this time. I am so sorry for this trial, and yet so grateful your faith is still in the goodness of God and His sustaining power and grace. I will continue to pray for Aimee and all of you. As only God can, may he bring every good and perfect purpose He has planned out of this trial. May His holy name be glorified, His loving kingdom expanded, his perfect will manifested in all!!
Paula
Dear Copeland Family,
This story of your Aimee could be about any of us or of our children, it’s about the normalcy of one moment and then life takes an unexpected turn, that is why it is resounding around the world.
We are praying here in Montreal that Aimee continues to heal rapidly, that everyday she surrenders herself to God’s will and that you and your family continue to be sustained (through this blog) as the world unites in prayer for Aimee and your family.
Happy Anniversary too and God bless everyone including the Staff and Doctors who are staying on top of this dreaded disease.
The phantom pains get less intense and less frequent over time, and for some people they eventually go away completely. The best way for her to approach it is to focus on the intervals when it doesn’t hurt, and see the bouts of discomfort as temporary interruptions between the “good” times. (Mentally this sets the baseline as the good rather than the bad. Easier said than done, especially at the beginning.)
One possibility for relief once she’s healed up enough is to apply gentle but firm pressure around the remaining area, using weight, a towel, and ace bandage, etc. Experiment to see what brings some relief, instead of resigning to it (once she’s healed up). Intense video games and movies work very well for some people. (You’ll have to be creative about how she can work the controller. Some Wii games don’t require intricate finger movements.)
I wish her & you the best.
6 years ago a friend’s son had a catastrophic injury and is now paralyzed from his mid-chest down. From the day of his injury he has been saying that ” the mind has no limit” and prays often, just as his family has always done. Your blogs help me to remember how very blessed my family and I are. Aimee’s strength in prayer, mind, and spirit is inspiring. May her continued recovery have” no limits.”. God bless you all!
I’m glad she is doin better. I wish yall the best!
Andy, you and your beautiful family are amazing. Your story fills me up. God is alive and well as I feel Him at work through your family. God bless you all and know you are in the prayers of so many.
God never sends us down life’s alone. The path may be hard and the valley dark remember this we were never promised a smooth journey but God did promise He would always be with us no matter what may come along. God love for us will never be exuasted on good days He leads us on bad days He carries us.
Man….you’re experiences and sharing of the bible is downright encouraging and so appreciated. I am deeply sorry for what your family is going through, but clearly you see God’s hand in it all. I see Him do His thing all the time too! If only the world’s eyes could be open to His ways…what a would it “could” be. Stay strong and keep the faith.
Peace and Blessings~Elizabeth Taylor (Phx, Az)
One day you will be whole again, until that time, there are lessons to be learned and a meaning for your life still to be realized. God Bless!!
Mr.Copeland, my daughter goes to West Georgia and my family and I have been following Amiee’s progress and praying for her and your family. When I read your posts, I am motivated….I am reminded again how big God is and how His grace is sufficient even in times when we must wonder how it ever could be….Though I’m sure you would have never signed up for the task, given the situation, you and your family are touching lives, including mine…reminding me again “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” Thank you for that.
Hello Aimee:) My name is James. I just happened to see your story a few weeks ago… I live in Canada, just finishing my Orthopaedic Surgery Trauma fellowship & training. I really wanted to say that I am sorry for all that you have had to go thru. I am a very loyal person, & you are now my friend:) Over the years, I have met some pretty brave people, the kind that makes me feel like I don’t really understand this world. I am a football lover, that is the only thing that has ever made sense to me lol. There was a player named Walter Payton, & tho I never saw him play, he is often my inspiration. He was not a perfect person of course, as I am not either, but he was still something special. When he was dying he said something that is special to me… “To the people that really care about me, just continue to pray… & for those who are going to say what they are going to say, may God be with you also.”
Happy Anniversary! I’ve followed Aimee’s story since her injury. Her strength and the deep faith of your family is refreshing and a blessing to me and my family. Know that we are lifting you up in prayer in Cumming, GA. Keep the faith and trust the Lord in ALL things and one day – GREAT will be your reward! God Bless you each and every one!
My daughter who was 22 at the time last year also contacted NF. It is a parent’s worst nightmare. She recently appeared on CNN to talk about surviving flesh eating disease. I do hope you get to watch it. It is on you tube.Your family is amazing and I do wish you nothing but peace and love from all Americans and abroad . Thank you Kindly Joanie
I am so sad to hear of Aimee’s struggles, but knew it was coming. God please have your hand on this girl. I wish south goodness and happiness for Aimee. Dad you should re
Praying for Aimee. Please take a minute & check out the P.L.A.Y foundation online. Read about the founder Jennifer Griffin. I remember reading about Jennifer last year and her amazing foundation for amputees. I told myself I was staying up tonight until I found the website & could let you know:)
My 2 year old son and I have added Aimee’s name to our bedtime prayers.
God Bless from NJ
I pray for you and your family Aimee !!! God must have some wonderful plans for you and i hope your dad continues to keep us updated !!! Nancy
My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Your letters to us are such a blessing. Thank you and God Bless.
God HAS and WILL CONTINUE to BLESS Aimee and your entire family. Your faith is and should be a testament to all. I will continue to pray for ALL of YOU!
May God take care of you all. You have been incredibly strong under HIM, and I pray that HE give you peace, happiness and strength.Aimee’s loss physically is beyond comprehension but she will be stronger day by day with GOD’s kindness. MAY GOD BLESS HER SOUL.
I was in the waiting room in Augusta with your family on May 10th. Although we never spoke, I learned of Aimee’s story that day as I waited for my family member. Listening to you all brought tears to my eyes more than once as you were all so positive and upbeat. Your family has touched my heart, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Hey guys. I just wondered if you thought of this for your bills/expenses. giveforward.com is similiar to kickstarter.com, where you post the story and why there is a need for money. They may keep 7% but…the rest will help go to offset bills.
God bless you all. Aimee’s courage and story is an inspiration and has convinced me to find God again. I pray for her speedy recovery.
What an inspiration. Thank you for sharing in this blog. God is amazing in his wonders, it is soo good to read how well Aimee is doing and how she is inspiring so many.
I just wanted to say that Aimee and your family are examples to everyone in this country who know of her story. I am sure that her story has touched the world. Many times, when feeling sorry for myself or when worrying about circumstances, I have thought of her. I pray many, many blessings for your daughter and family. She is going to touch millions of people in her lifetime. Blessings, Prayer and Grace to all of you! Happy Anniversary!
It must be horrible to see your child hurting like this, but such a miracle she is alive and her journey is becoming a message to so many. May God grant each of you strength and joy. She lives!
I have been following Aimee’s story and keeping her and the whole family in my prayers. I made a comment to my husband one about her, saying that she was in a hospital in Augusta, and my daughter worked at a hospital in Augusta, that her parents live near Snellville, and I lived in Conyers for 25 years, and then I read that her parents were married at a church here in Spartanburg where i now live, and her mom’s name is Donna, and all these things made me think of how small a world it is, and made it hit home that it could easily be one of my kids. Then he said to make it even a smaller world, he went to school with you. My husband is Tommy Lanford. I saw that you guys are facebook friends. That made it even more personal for me to make sure I keep all of you in my prayers. I know God is in control of everything, and that if we trust Him to take care of us and answer our prayers, He will. We may not always understand His answers, but He alone knows what we need, and what we can handle.
I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. It will be a long road to go down, but it sounds like Aimee, as well as her whole family knows that God will get them through it all. And coming from 15 years in the orthotics and prosthetics industry, I have seen some amazing things in the world of prosthetics and how much people can accomplish with prosthetic limbs and appendages.
Stay strong. Stay faithful. God bless you all.
love,
Donna Lanford
That is amazing!!!!!! God bless you and your family!! Please tell Aimee i am praying for her…and let her know that she is such a strong girl! I too am recovering from necrotizing fascitis and it has not been easy but God has been there every step of the way…so in a way i can relate to her although mine did not get as bad as hers…she will overcome it!!!
Thank you for the updates on Aimee I truly look forward to them. I do not know Aimee but let her know i think of her often and she has made me be VERY thankful for what I have and at times when I am sad or bummed for no “real” reason she makes me stronger and makes me look at things in a brighter light! I am very happy she is getting better!! She is a true miracle!!
First, I would like to say Happy Anniversary!! Praying and Believing in the Lord shows us how he can make miracles happen when it seems impossible.Praise the Lord,for keeping Aimee and your family strong and moving in Faith in the Lord!! Thank-you for your unselfish devotion of keeping everyone updated on how Aimee is doing! Aimee stay strong to rise above this illness and God Bless you in the name of Jesus.
Aimee you are an inspiration. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ” (Rom. 15:13 ESV)
– Steve
Andy and family,
Every night before I go to bed I “check in” on Aimee. What this lovely girl has suffered breaks my heart, but I know she will prevail as nothing is impossible through God. My prayers for her and the rest of your family continue. You are well-loved and the Lord has his arms around you all. Bless your amazing grace and faith through these dark times. I promise the light of his love will shine through..
I have been sinking into depression for some months now. Satan has been working hard on me and trying to convince me that everyone else would be much better off if I just ended my life. Then I started following Aimee’s story. I had thought God was ignoring me, but He started reaching out to me through the faith and courage of your entire family. I’ve come full circle and now thank God every day for my life and the opportunities He gives me to minister to others. May He continue to bless your family and work through your wonderful daughter.
Mr. Copeland, you are such a good daddy! You are doing such a great job of staying positive and being such a great source of strength for your family. My heart goes out to your family, I think about you all almost everyday. I think the reason Aimee’s story has touched my heart is because there are so many lessons to be learned like the power of prayer, the importance of having a positive attitude, not taking one second for granted, understanding that no one is exempt from accidents,how God can work miracles-I could go on and on. She also reminds me of myself, I also went ziplining my senior year of college in Costa Rica in an area I knew nothing about. It could have been me.
Aimee still has a tough road ahead of her, but she is not going to go down it alone. She has so many people from all over the Nation praying for her. She has no idea who I am, but I will always remember her.
-Angie from Texas
Dear Aimee and Family,
When I was 4 yrs old I contracted the polio virus from an improperly prepared vaccine, today at the age of 56 I still remember it very well, my first memory is pain, which has been my companion very often since. My pain is on and in my right jaw, right side of my mouth, top and bottom, right neck, right shoulder, right upper back, my right hip, right thigh, right knee, calf, ankle, foot, and do not forget my right arm, hand, and each finger and toe but only on my right side. Pain meds are only a cover up but seldom stop the pain; the running “joke” around all who know me is it is quicker for me to tell you where I do not hurt.
When I was 14 yrs old I went forward at the end of church service, at invitation time, requesting prayer and healing for my right leg and foot. At that time in front of everyone, my right leg grew about 1 & ½ inches. I said “pray for my foot too.” But the preacher said “get up and walk around” I did, but my right foot never grew. Where my legs are the same length, my left foot is shoe size 8 ½ while my right foot is shoe size 4 ½ . As I walked around saying “Lord Heal my foot, Lord Heal my foot, Lord Heal my foot, Lord make my foot grow, Lord make my foot grow, Lord make my foot grow.” Each time I said it I spoke louder with a more demanding voice and each time I clearly heard the Lord saying “My Grace is sufficient for you, My Grace is sufficient for you. My Grace is sufficient for you.”
When I got home I told my Dad what happened. He read to me 2Cor 12:1-12, and John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease”. It was at that time that I knew I would do all I could to bring all glory to “The Almighty” and not to me.
I know what I have gone through is nothing compared to what you are going through but I hope that I can give you some hope, things will getting better, you will learn what “The Almighty” has for you. I will continue to pray for you and please pray for me.
Psa 138:3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.
Sylvia Vanz “sylviavann7@gmail.com
Your family is an inspiration and a noteworthy example of what families can be. Recently, I drove cross country and stopped to talk with a father on a reservation whom I had never met. I was not sure why I stopped or what I wanted to say to the man, sometimes the spirit moves us for unknown reasons.
This father talked of your daughter and how inspired he is of her. Aimee, I truly believe the Good Lord works through people and I also believe you will use this as a stepping stone to achieve far greater things in life then anyone can imagine right now in this moment.
Prayers and blessings to you and yours.
Thank you kindly for allowing me to write a short message on your wall.
Hello Andy and Aimee
I won’t complain or say how much i feel sorry all about this because who won’t be?
I just want to bring at your attention something i saw on tv national geographic channel, I wonder if it’s true or not but it worths it to check. Ths subject of the documentary was about organs and Stem cell and how some animals are able to replace their limbs once it was cut. It says why humans can’t do such things? one of the scientist answers this is because of healing. And one of the witnesses said he had once one finger cut while doing soem carpentery and fortunately his brother was a research scientist, and he invented a powder with pork rind and another substance and then he pours it on the cut finger so that it won’t heal. Few weeks later the guy had his finger growed again. I will watch again the documentary and will give u the name of this scientist.
Here’s the link of the documentary i saw….just check it out
youtube.com/watch?v=O_OI4TtzlDw&feature=related
I believe if you gather all these doctors, they will help Aimee at some points…
I am not someone who accepts fatality as a fate. Nothing is impossible. If salamandras can do it why not humans? Our nails and hair always regenerate why not our limbs and organs or any part of our body?
youtube.com/watch?v=O_OI4TtzlDw&feature=related
youtube.com/watch?v=h7wIZ7k1dmM&feature=related
youtube.com/watch?v=EsCSwVx3GvA&feature=related
Please don’t accept fatality, the real struggle for Aimee would be to live a normal life right? so why not give her opportunities?
I believe actions speak louder than words. I like people when they send messages full of compassion or telling how much they suffered from this and that. Well it will make Aimee a nice leg (sorry for the joke) it’s how french use to say. Means it won’t help Aimee make grow her limbs. So let’s take a step further and tell Aimee there’s an opportunity and “let’s do it”. Let’s see what we can do and let’s contact these doctors and see if they can help Aimee.
Dear Sir,
I´m writing, because I can offer my help in anastasis. We are a biotech-company from germany, concerned with nutritional medicine. We are not interested in PR but in helping you. Our latest product, which is undergoing the patent-application process at the moment, has amazingly effect on the immune systeme and wound healing.
Kind regards
Jan Hinnerk Mahler
Vitarget GmbH & Co. KG
I’ve followed Aimee’s story this whole time… And I’m soo happy she is doing so well…the power of prayer is truly amazing… I’m sure there are many struggles yet to be fought… But she seems to be quite an amazing woman and I know will get through them… Continuing to pray for strength and healing for you all!! God bless you guys…
-Melissa
What an extraordinary update on an extraordinary family. The world is in awe. This is such an inspiration of the power of God. We are all united in wishing the Copeland Family all the very best. Love to you all.
Anna in Denmark
Your daughter has been in our prayers and will continue to be. Have they considered the oxygen therapy that is used for healing wounds and burns? I know this is a different situation but wondered if they considered it as it has proven to help when healing is needed. Blessings to you and your family , praying God’s strength for all. Thank you for your updates on Aimee.
Estou sem palavras, as lágrimas correm no meu rosto. Que testemunho de fé e resignação que nos inspiram a acreditar que Deus tem um propósito em nossas vidas e que a dor nos purifica para uma vida de luz e paz. Estamos todos em oração para que sua menina seja sempre forte, confiante no amor de Deus e suporte dia pós dia sua provação.
Obrigada por escrever ao mundo, tenho certeza que tem ajudado muitas pessoas em dor e desespero a terem coragem e continuarem lutando.
Podemos doar sangue em qualquer lugar do Brasil em Nome da Aimee?
Fiquem com a paz!
Hi..My sister Sharron who is no longer with us.. Is watching over you Amiee..
sharronprior.com
No need for Amiee to see the website at this time.. She needs to Smile, and Prayer is good.
Hugs and love From The Prior family Over in Montreal Canada
Dear Doreen….I visited your sisters site…God love you for what you and your family have been though…all those years ….how numb your heart must be in places but it still has the ability to reach out to others….You are also a very brave person….Stay strong,,, and know I have your sister’s case in my prayers and that I am asking God to help the police and investigators to have a clear ability to see what they need to in order to get justice for your sister…Be Blessed …Be strong
“If you’re going through hell, keep on going”–Winston Churchill
I am in awe of Aimee and inspired by the strength of your family. I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and–most importantly–my prayers.
Andy your updates are so wonderful to hear of God’s amazing power and I am so glad to hear of Aimee’s healing progression. Please know that Aimee and your family are in my prayers daily. She is such a beautiful young woman with much ahead of her. I had the opportunity to meet her personally during the Spring semester when she came by our office for a camera to use in making some photos. Her bubbly personality was so great. I pray and wish her God’s speed in recovering from life’s set back. I believe with God’s help she will overcome this too. She has a strong spirit. Please let her know that we are thinking of her.
In isaiah 43: 2 Jesus Says “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Love be with you all. Get well soon !!!!
As a nurse I am amazed by the recovery Aimee has made thus far, as a mother I am overwhelmed by the strength you and your wife must contain and as a struggling Christian I am strengthened by your words. Thank you for your time to spread strength to so many of us.
My fairly long note from yesterday is gone, so I’ll just add some smiles for you all for today.
I will keep Aimee and your family in my prayers. I am happy
she is improving daily. Prayers are answered. God bless you all.
Our prayers go out for your entire family. Aimee is an exceptional young woman, and your family reminds me of mine. We all love each other so much, that there is nothing that you cannot overcome.
I pray for peace for her to accept all that has happened.
We love you, god bless you.
Please check out travis mill.org
no space between name, his cure for phantom pain was
last resort, but it worked. His story is as painful and
inspiring as Aimee’s.
I’ve been following Aimee’s story since it was first reported and your latest post really hits home for me. But I’m writing not to talk about myself and the significance that Aimee has had on my life but to offer an idea that could provide some relief. The part of the post where you describe the pain in Aimee’s “hands” and how she can’t relieve those painful phantom feelings reminded of a book I read about returned Iraq veterans. One of the soldiers lost his hands in combat but he had severe pain because he lost one his hands while gripping a grenade. So his phantom pain mimicked his intense grip. He lived for years with this pain, until a doctor or therapist had an idea to (now it’s been a long time since I read this so I apologize for lacking the specific details) put him in a dark room and helped him visualize his hand and holding the grenade and dropping it (I’m sure there’s more involved) but he apparently had immediate relief. I hope you can do more research on this technique or that it has already been presented to you, either way I hope that it could help bring some relief to the pain that Aimee is experiencing.
Aimee is a true inspiration to us all – as are you, her family and father who tells so eloquently what each day has involved. Continued prayers to all of you for many more blessings and continued good health for Aimee. I have been following this story from the very beginning and will not stop until I read that she is out of the hospital and smiling. I cannot wait for that day to come for all of you 🙂
I too have been following Aimee’s story since day 1. I have cried out to the Lord regarding Aimee and confessed my disappointment to Him when He said “No” regarding her amputations. I questioned Him rawly about “abundant life” without limbs and He reminded me that HE is life and that HIS plans for Aimee ARE to prosper her and not to harm her, to give her HOPE and a future. Aimee, I have no idea what the plans of the Lord are for you, but I DO know that God chose YOU for such a time as this. We grieve the loss of your limbs deeply; I cannot imagine your pain physically or emotionally, but I DO know that God is hovering over you and He IS watching over you. What appears to be a dreadful accident is turning into a divine drama and many many MANY are watching. I bless you on this day, Aimee. I bless you with courage, peace, hope, faith, HEALING, and a joy in the Lord “despite it all” to engulf you. May you be smothered in peace and not pain, hope and not helplessness, determination, not depression. There is something profound going on that when people hear you and look at you, Aimee, that they will see the beauty of the Lord. As David said in psalms, “Lord, Your ways are too high for me; too wonderful. I cannot attain it.” May the Lord’s higher ways cause you to skyrocket, Aimee and family; you have my prayers, decrees, and praises to a God who knows and CARES and is faithful to perfect that which concerns you.
I am overcome with emotion reading this update. I have followed Aimee’s story from the beginning and I praise God that she appears to be coming through this. Aimee, there is something more than just you in all of this. There is a nation of people, believers and non-believers, who are watching you deal with this “thing” with courage, grace, strength, and above all, your faith in God. You are blessed and a blessing. May God continue to hold you steadfast in his glory.
I whine and complain daily of things I don’t have, things in life that I don’t feel are going my way and I just want to change them. Make everything work out for what I feel is the best for my family, friends, people in need and just make them all happy again. Nice, play fair, live in harmony, you know the bubble world. Depression, anger, hatred, frustrations, anxiety, all in a place where they don’t need to be, our minds-SELF. Our eyes-stuck in one place and then, ever so slightly they move to view “curiosity”. What could one more person have to say about their life that I haven’t already said ? Then I read on….Oh Lord….Breakthrough…..Past what I thought was life ending problems I read of a girl, a beautiful young girl with passion for life, to just get through and live another day. In your pain dear child I wonder how many have received healing mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally due to -NOT YOUR SUFFERING- – but how you handle the –OH SO MUCH SUFFERING- in the life you have now been given.
Like a church friend who was told they had cancer said, “I’m honored. For the Lord must think I’m strong enough to handle it, else I wouldn’t have it.”
Keep going God child. As your life is viewed by so many now, you make a statement, knowing or unknowing, you are being used as a tool of healing to many around the world. As for me and my house, we will all be asking God for your healing too ! May He rain down blessings to you and your family always.
Dear Andy,
Happy Anniversary to you and Donna! Your struggles have been an inspiration to many. I so greatly appreciate how, in the midst of these struggles, you have used your undesired forum for the glory of God. You have shared His Word with so many who otherwise would not have listened to you or cared what you had to say. Thank you so much for rising to the challenge He has given you. I cannot imagine the pain your daughter Aimee is experiencing or how she is dealing with the loss of her dreams, but there’s no way she could handle it without the support of her loving family and the great Love that Our Father has for all of you. Your life here on earth may be filled with difficulties, but, oh, the blessings and glories that await you in heaven. May God bless you richly and comfort you all your days!
Dee Farrell
Why does everyone with an “issue” think they’re special and they need a blog? The writing is banal and the graphics are well, nonexistent. There’s nothing to engage the reader. While I’m sorry to hear that your daughter is ill, this disease has been around for quite some time and there’s really nothing new to learn here. It’s…boring.
Happy Anniversary
thank you for sharing Aimee’s story
I think of her often
especially when I have a silly complaint.
my prayers for all of you continue
we will continue to pray for Aimee and her family.
The sun is the brightest star up in the sky, the night, dark, allowing each star to shine above the rest. This world was blessed to have a shinning star named Aimee. Miles and distance may separate the many people she has touched but something stronger unites us all, the strength and courage she has shown us day by day.
Life throws challenges, those challenges test us, shape us. Everyday we learn something new, not understand as to “why” it happened. She have given us hope that there is something more to life.
A life full of laughter and smiles, a life that she lived that awaits for her. Thank you for being that bright shinning star, for your ray of light shines into each of us, lighting us and waking us that desire to live.
We all wish you full recovery. (To Aimee’s father, you’re an amazing dad and a lucky father)
Andy, I’ve been so inspired by your faith and confidence in God’s plans for all of us. I totally agree with your comments about how we take so much for granted. Given my own experience with invasive deep tissue infection only weeks before Aimee’s accident, I have a completely different appreciation for the simple fact that my arm is still there and it works, albeit slightly altered. A day’s difference in getting treatment could have made for a much different outcome. That hit pretty close to home. Another experience some years ago that sharpened my understanding of this was after I befriended a young man who suffered a spinal cord injury and became a ventilator dependent quadriplegic. His injury occured in a horse accident…. I’m a horse fanatic, so needless to say, that hit close to home and it was humbling to go see him in the spinal cord injury rehab hospital. I was a pretty nervous when I walked into that hospital, but I left with a different perspective. In his room were two other teenage boys, who had similar injuries. But I immediately realized that everyone there was focusing on how much they still had, rather than what they had lost. It was an inspiring visit that I will never forget. That particular young man who is now in his thirties, has lived life as fully as possible. He is married, he got his college education, he attends many sporting events and is outdoors as much as practical. He also is a person of strong faith.
I’ve given so much thought about Aimee and her recovery, I know it will be very challenging, but I also know that given her spirit and the great advances in prosthetics, she will regain a great deal of ability and ultimately will probably amaze us all. In my research I have found many people who have suffered multiple limb losses and have developed incredible abilities. In many cases, they are more able bodied and participate in far more exciting activities than a considerable percentage of the general population. I pray daily for your continued recovery.
Amen. I am so happy to hear that Aimee is doing better. God Bless You And Your Family.
i continue to pray for aimee and am thrilled at her progress!!! God Bless!!!
When I was in rehab in Boston there was a hypnotherapist who treated patients with phantom pain. I lost a leg in 1983, I never suffered phantom pain, but I saw a lot of people at the rehab center who did.
It might be worth a try, check with the people in the hospital.
Good Luck, I know its going to be a long road.
Harold
REGARDING PHANTOM PAIN: The power of prayer is wonderful, but phantom pain comes from the mind lacking proper wiring to extremities it used to have. It needs to remap its neural connection to the severed nerves. Look into “Mirror Phantom Pain” on Google, or The Brain that Heals Itself by Dr. Norman Doidge. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_box
God bless your entire family, i feel as i shouldn’t complain about anything anymore. We love yall.
I am in awe of how open and honest you are about your emotions and the tasks that both your family and Aimee face. When you are honest about a situation it allows others to learn and grow closer to the Lord with you. I have made many mistakes in my life and I used to try to hide my mistakes but I learned to share my faults with others (James 5:16) Confess your sins one to another and pray. When I did this, some people would whisper and talk about me, but it was those same people who came to me when they experienced problems in there life because they knew I wouldn’t pass judgement. Anyway, I just want to say thank you for opening yourselves up and letting the Light of God shine through a situation when most people would want to shut themselves off from the world. Aimee’s story, Your Family’s story is a Blessing to so many. Thank you for sharing it.
Andy, Thank-you for keeping us all updated on Aimee’s progress. I pray for Aimee and your family daily. The relationship that you have with our Lord is remarkable. It is evident in your writings that He is the main support for you during this time. I realize that family and friends are a must when going through anything remotely related to your journey, but God shines through to the very forefront for you. I truly admire you and pray for you. May He continue to carry you and your family through Aimee’s stay in the hospital and through her recovery and rehabilitation. God Bless
I am drawn to your blog every day, hoping for an update. I have Aimee in my thoughts, as well as you and your wife. I’ve never met any of you, but I feel the need to know how you are. I can’t imagine what Aimee is going through. I pray that the Great Physician, Jehovah Rophe, will “heal” her according to His plan. You all are being lifted up and thought of every single day. God bless you all.
Amen. Your outlook on life and your look at the bigger picture of God’s will and what He alone has done within your situation, because of your daughter’s illness is a blessing. God uses people to reach people, your circumstances are not by chance. Each and every person who reads your story is being impacted for God’s glory. Thank you for being an available vessel and yeilding to the Lord’s will. God Bless you.
I have been reading everything that you have shared and it has moved me so much. You and ur family are in my prayers. Aimee is an amazing person and I just don’t know if I could be so strong. I wish I lived closer so I could meet all of you. So I’m sending hugs ur way.
Hi there!
Great news hearing about Aimee and I am so happy/proud of Aimee and your entire family! Sometimes we do not understand why suffering has to happen, when I saw my son in a coma I was clueless why it was happening. I stood over him and prayed everyday! The only thing I could pray was..”God please heal him” and that is exactly what he did! I wrote a book about it, its called…Sponges…it is on Amazon.com and under the authors name, me, Amy Potts. Love to you and your family.!
You don’t know me, but I am praying for Aimee. God bless you all.
The Imitation of Christ – to live and suffer only for others – is a fate nobody would willingly embrace. God bless you, Aimee.
You are so wonderful!!!! What a fantastic Husband and Father you are. God Bless all of you!
Aimee is such a terrific person. God has come to help her. He is wonderful and yes, we never know why he lets some suffer for some reason, but we know that it is all part of a big plan, one that has to happen for whatever reason. God only wants good for us, so there is a purpose for her suffering. I am so comforted to know that She and your Family have a close relationship with God. That is of upmost importance, esp. right now, but always. I love you all even though I have never met you. I will continue to pray for you all. Love and Hugs.
Happy anniversary Andy and Donna. You have a beautiful family and you are precious people. I am so happy to learn of Aimee’s progress and how God is answering our prayers. Your faith and strength has helped strengthen all of us. It has made me more aware how blessed I am each day to be in His care whatever the day might bring. I know Aimee still has a long journey ahead of her but our prayers will be with her and the family. Love to you all.
Hi, I tried posting before, but the post never got submitted for some reason — that was way early on, just before Aimee’s fingers/hands were amputated. I want to let you know that Dick and I have prayed for Aimee every day. I’ve been extremely busy with finals at the Ohio State University and will graduate this Sunday. So this is really the first chance I’ve had in weeks to try post. My husband, Dick, is an NF survivor. He lost both legs to the disease. By the grace of God he has been pain free, except for the phantoms. Two years ago, in Columbus, there was a young man, Blake Haxton, who contacted NF just few months before graduating high school. His story is amazing. He lost both legs also. There was some concern regarding his hands, but they were saved. I can only imagine the loss of the hands; but Aimee, by the grace of God will find ways of doing what has to be done. Dick contacted NF in 2005, in February this year he turned 65. I’m 57, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in the Humanities with plans to go on to seminary for a Masters in Theology to be a minister of God’s Word. All because of NF. We would love to share our story with you and Aimee some day. For now just know you remain in our constant prayers. May God’s will be done. Amen.
What a wonderful and supportive family.Forgive me for asking but, should she not be allowed to grieve for all she has lost for more than one week? A twenty four year old beautiful girl with a bright future suddenly receives this shock.Let her go through anger and sadness so she can heal. I don’t believe God is expecting her to accept what has happened to her without a fight.
I can not begin to imagine the ordeal your family has experienced. Yes indeed we do have so much to be grateful for in our lives. A life without faith in our Good God is unbearable. Your family is blessed with a deep faith and love of God in all His ways, difficult as they may be to accept. My prayers go out to Aimee and your family and I pray for your peace, health and continued endurance. Sincerely, Renee Gisele
For one like me who never watches the news, or TV… I just found out about Amiee a couple of days ago. I didn’t even know her name…but know as of now she is in my heart, and i am praying for her, her story has touched me in a way i can not describe…. I know God has a big plan for her….through her strength and courage I know she is ready….may God Bless Amiee and you all….
What you can’t undo Mr. Copeland the Lord can and will, maybe sooner than we realize!
I Cor. 15:51-55 has wonderful news:
“I will explain a mystery to you. Not every one of us will die, but we will all be changed. It will happen suddenly, quicker than the blink of an eye. At the sound of the last trumpet the dead will be raised. We will all be changed, so that we will never die again. Our dead and decaying bodies will be changed into bodies that won’t die or decay. The bodies we now have are weak and can die. But they will be changed into bodies that are eternal. Then the Scriptures will come true,
“Death has lost the battle!
Where is its victory?
Where is its sting?”
(Contemporary English Version)
Hope all is well. Wanted to pass this along. Video of info on St Philomena who God works through her in great miracles. Martyr at age of 13 by the emperor Dioclician & many documented miracles of this.
youtu.be/9uBHf8ru3_Q <-youtube video on her & her story
book on documented miracles she has gotten from Our Lord when asked (I know you may not believe but doesn’t nullify this plus if asking friends to pray for your sister why not ask someone that sits with Our Lord 24/7?).
FYI I have the oil mentioned & I have really bad knees & placed the oil on them & I run with no pain.
Why not give her a shot? Research & see for yourself.
Pax Christi!
Steve
I think about Aimee everyday and hope and pray that she will recover well. Since she is close in age to myself it’s hard to imagine what she must be going through. Its easy to take small things for granted and by understanding and knowing her difficulties makes me rethink things, so as to not take them for granted. Aimee is an inspiration to me and a very strong and courageous person. I will keep her and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Aimee today I read you case in a magazine in Brazil(i´m brazilian girl)I´m sorry about you, and I hope that god give confort for you and your family in fact he is the only one that can take care of you!
I´ll praying for you so much,darling,don´t be afraid, I know that it´s dificult´s days,but God look for you. always!
Before anything, please allow me to introduce myself: I am a 35-year old Brazilian who lives in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.
The news of your daughter – and, thus, your own -‘s most horrific ordeal, which you are all regrettably having to face and somehow – and hopefully – overcome have come to my attention through a one-page story published in this week’s issue of our ‘VEJA’ magazine (the equivalent to TIME or NEWSWEEK here in Brazil). I was shocked to learn that such a horrible condition even existed, let alone read about its horrendous consequences, something truly disturbing, even for one to conceive possible. To imagine your most beautiful and graceful daughter having to go through all this, specially at such young age, with all of her life ahead of her, not only earns our most sincere, earnest and deepest compassion (I happen to be a practicing Buddhist) to both her and all of her beloved ones, who are equally having to face and share her ordeal by her side – though absolutely unexplainable any way you look at it – does give us – through this unimaginable suffering; yours as well as hers – a whole new perspective as to the value of life, which most of us just take for granted. What I mean to say, I guess, is that, though you may likely never find any soothing answer to confort you us as to why such a terrible condition has befallen your daughter, as little as it may mean, please know that even in such a far-away country as Brazil, like me, millions of other Brazilians have also learned about your daughter’s sttrugle for life, have been deeply moved by it, and are now – again, like myself, millions of others are sure to be doing the same – sending you all our hearts and deepest compassion. May all of your family, and specially she, your precious Aimee, eventually manage to overcome this terrible nightmare, and find again peace and confort in your hearts.
When I was 17 I received a phone call saying that both my mother and my younger sister had just died in a car accident. The feeling I will never forget was that the ground beneath me had just been abruptly removed, something I can only imagine you too must have felt. We may never come to understand any purpose in any of these events that so unfairly befall us, but, however little confort this may provide, coming from a complete stranger, please know this: if I could, as I today no longer have a family to call my own, I would gladly give up my own life to restore your Aimee hers back. This much unselfish and altruistic love and compassion, I can assure you, your daughter, through this most unfortunate suffering she is having to go through, has inspired, even from someone who has never met either one of you, a complete stranger who happens to me a whole hemisphere apart.
May these sincere words serve as a tiny drop of confort to you, your family, and, of course, specially, your loving Aimee. I earnestly and sincerily hope this message may find her better and her life no longer in danger. Please accept my deepest compassion and best wishes. May you all overcome this terrible ordeal soon. We in Brazil send you our prayers.
God bless you all.
Sincerily,
Patrick Würzler
Andy, I’m so glad to hear of Aimee’s progress. I’ve had a nagging question for a couple weeks now. Were the doctors able to retain any portion of her wrists or palms? I know that particularly with the upper limbs, preserved length is very helpful. I think about her situation a lot and hope and pray for the very best for her.
Aimee’s hands were amputated at the wrist. Follow-up surgery reduced the length of her arms by about 2 more inches when the doctors closed the open amputation site on both arms. Four surgeons convened to make this decision and all four recommended the total hand amputations. That said, all is not lost as to the quality of Aimee’s life.
I have met and talked with several prosthetists who agree that mid-forearm amputation is the best scenario for patients who desire to utilize advanced bionic prosthetic devices. We are researching the most modern technology that will allow Aimee to enjoy a high quality standard of living. Check out http://www.touchbionics.com/products/active-prostheses/i-limb-ultra/ to see just one of the many amazing devices available to Aimee.
I have been following this story from the beginning, and think about Aimee and your whole family every day. I can not even come close to imagining her suffering. I am battling breast cancer, but at 57 I count my blessings to have lived this long.
With all the people following this story with their love and prayers (mine included) I hope Aimee gets the best medical care money can buy, and the newest and best prosthetics available to make her life the best it can be. If there is a place I can send a personal check, please post it, I will be so willing to help. God bless you and your family, Aimee.
Love,
Annette
Andy, I have followed Aimee’s story and she and your family are such an inspiration to me. I wanted to send you this link regarding a Maryland science fair project that deals with phantom pain that may benefit Aimee in the future. Please read it if you have the time. Here’s an excerpt.
somdnews.com/article/20100407/News/304079831/0/southernMaryland&template=southernMaryland
Katherine Bomkamp, 18, a senior at North Point High School said her 2009 first-place winning science project, “Pain Free Socket,” went on to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Reno, Nev., where she took fourth place last year.
Her project, creating a device for prosthetic sockets that generates heat in an attempt to rid an amputee of phantom pain, did not stop at last year’s fair.
Katherine continued to work on the project with the help of Jake Godak, laboratory manager for Treasure State Orthopedic and Prosthetic Clinic in Montana and the engineering department at the University of Maryland.
Bomkamp’s version of the socket works to get rid of the pain without medicine.
Andy, so glad to hear this, and that you are looking forward and taking such an affirmative approach to Aimee’s future. All the best!
Oh my goodness what awesome devise. I pray that Aimee will have this and more in the years to come. I can hardly wait to see her walking, running and using her hands to live independently. I already love her and her whole family. I pray for all of you every night when I go to bed.
She is an awesome young powerful woman..I wish I could give her my legs..wonderful prosthetic are being made now for the wounded soldiers I’m sure they will find something for Aimee..may God continue to bless her and her loved ones daily. Your blogs are such an inspiration to all who read them..it ALL has a purpose.
Dear Copeland family –
In my work as a medical editor on a project about chronic pain I came across the work of neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran, who has an elegant solution to phantom limb pain. On Aimee’s behalf, please take a few minutes to watch his presentation in this video:
ted.com/talks/vilayanur_ramachandran_on_your_mind.html
Aimee is a teacher for us all in her lessons of courage and strength.
Kristen Georgi
God bless your family. I’m glad to read an update and have been praying for y’all. Prayer does change things and God does heal. Aimee is proof of that. God is Great all the time, all the time God is Great!!!!! 🙂
Please read Ramachandran’s “Phantoms in the Brain.” There are some non-standard but well-educated, scientific approaches you may not find anywhere else, for dealing successfully with phantom pain.
All my best wishes,
K.M.O.
Thank you Andy. I had already checked out the touchbionics website a few weeks ago and was incredibly amazed by the capability of these. As an engineer I’ve had a long standing interest in the development of advanced prothestics and other assistive devices. I so fully believe that Aimee is going to amaze us all and be such an inspiration for so many people which she already has. Be looking for my letter of introduction, etc. about the fundraising concert for Aimee that I would be so honored to do in my community. I’ll send that information to the Snellville bank address.
I just saw this report on the news. I am so sorry for this horrific accident. But what struck me was the attitude of the father. What a wonderful wonderful father. I am sorry for Aimee’s accident but I am envious of her amazing family. Specifically her dad. When watching him, I was conflicted with admiration and sadness. I am so so sorry but I urge you to count your blessings.
Copeland Family,
While I pray for your family continuously and think about Amies’s road to recovery, I am in awe of the power of God and prayer. Her story has touched people she or your family will never meet including myself. I do not have any similar stories to be able to relate with you or your families situation but stories of people that I have lost in my life and know that the fear of losing someone you love so dearly is unimaginable. God is amazing and all knowing and never giving us more than we can handle. That statement is a true testament to the faith you and your family carry. He looks upon you as able to bare such a hurtful and horrible time. He sees you all as able to look at the face of death and laugh because you know that your God is GREATER and POSSIBLE to do ANYTHING. This story of God’s miraculous power has shown me personally to believe for the impossible and know that with him ALL THINGS ARE just that, POSSIBLE. I would love to sit and talk with Amiee and your family because you all, each one of you, are amazing people. Just to have a small look into your lives for the past month, I feel privileged in some way to “know” a little more about you than just the story of her injury and sickness. It’s about you as a family and your beliefs in a healer that is more than able to handle every single thing we take to him in prayer! Thank you for all the updated information when you didn’t feel like doing it and for being an amazing Father to Amiee as well as spiritual head for your household. I will continue to keep you and your family in my heart, thoughts, and prayer.
I’ve written before but I’m writing again with a suggestion. I deal with chronic, intractable pain due to inoperable spinal tumors. Besides horrible medications with ghastly side effects, I do acupuncture, massage and meditation (just so you know I’m not a drug addict and would destroy them all in a heartbeat if G-d would cure me of this curse). But I AM writing about meditation.
There is this great CD by Stephen Levine on softening pain. I listen to it all the time and meditate by it. When meditating, G-d’s presence is felt through my body. I felt Him strongly twice in my life; watching the birth of my nephew, and while resting my head on my mother’s chest when she passed. Both were incredible experiences.
I wish Aimee the best,and I know your faith is what has gotten you through. My prayers are with your family, especially Aimee. I do hope you can locate and purchase one of his meditation CD’s….especially the one on softening pain.
Blessings
I am so sorry this happened. I would like to suggest that Aimee begin taking hemp tincutres (oil) daily. this will help tremendously with her severe pain. alot of people have a stigma about this plant, but the fact is, it is medicine, very old medicine. we each already have in our bodies the endocannabinoid system, it is there for a reason. it will help Aimee without making her sick at all. research ‘rick simpson oil’ on youtube. i would also like to suggest you watch this video on phantom limb syndrome, at the 9:21 mark, and a way in which this scientist found how to help people suffering from this syndrome; you will find it very enlightening, although i am sure you have done alot of research already to help Aimee.
ted.com/talks/vilayanur_ramachandran_on_your_mind.html
deep peace to you and your family.
i should add on my last comment that this would involve prosthetics due to the nature of Aimee’s injury (referencing the TED link above).
I am sending more prayers your way and giving blood as soon as I can in an effort to do something for her. Your daughter is so beautiful inside and out!
I have thought about Aimee many times since this happened to her. I can not understand what God is doing, here. I know there is a Creator but I can not understand why He has to allow these type of things to happen.
I have always believed that when an arrow leaves Satan’s Bow, it has to go through God first.
That is to say, if something catastrophic would happen to me, I know that God allowed it.
I have no idea why.
I was close to a group of Wounded Warriors that had returned from the battle field and there was only one of them with just two legs that had not been removed. I never knew Bravery before but I found it when I watched them all talk among themselves.
They were all really strong willed men and women. I could not even be in ‘their’ club. It was a special bond that they all shared. They were connected and they walked through hell to achieve it.
They all had this pain you call ‘Phantom’, but there no phantom about it. You feel it, so they said.
I don’t know what your are going through , Aimee, but I’ll bet God does….
We went through some tough times not too long ago, and my daughter gave me a little box which, in it, she had copied bible verses to give us encouragement and the knowledgement that God is always with us. On this box were pictures of inchworms and around the box was the wording “Inch by Inch, life’s a cinch’. “Yard by yard, life is hard”. I pray you and you family get courage and strength, through God, to face life, each day, inch by inch. No matter what we think, we are not in control of our lives. There is a much greater power and I believe you and your Aimee will continue to get stronger each day. May God bless each of you and the medical staff taking care of Aimee and His Angels surround you during Aimee’s healing process.
Hi. We’ve been following your family’s story since it aired on Fox News…we’ve been praying for you, but I haven’t commented until today. We have been married for almost 5 years….it pales in comparison to your amazing 29 years! But I wanted to thank you for taking the time out to remember your wife when the rest of your world must feel out of control. It seems that you have a firm foundation in the Gospel, and this shows in what we’ve seen from the way your family has handled this situation so far. But a big way that we are to show God’s love is through marriage, and it seems that you guys have done exceptionally well throughout your marriage! So thank you for that. And although we have experience some trials during our short stint at this thing, we have learned that the trials are just that…trials, and that the evil one is trying so hard to chip away at our marriages during those times. Stand strong. Continue to love your wife. You have been a day changer for me today. Again. Thank you!
P.S. We grew up not too far from Spartanburg….in a small town outside of Greenville!
Happy anniversary to you and Mrs. Copeland!
Please tell Aimee that I (along with countless others around our country and abroad) grieve for her suffering. Pain, tragedy, and loss of every type can be difficult to explain or accept, but those forms of suffering which are most uncommon to mankind revolt our senses and conceptions in a unique fashion. Above all, we, who are equally as vulnerable, offer our prayers and loving concern. Please continue to give us updates of Aimee’s well-being.
Considerately from Tampa, Florida,
Allen Wolfe
As a survivor of Necrotizing fasciitis in 2005 I have been following this story with a keen interest and wanted to take this opportunity to express my deepest sympathies and I want you all to know that you all have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I pray for you Aimee. Let Jesus walk with you through this difficult time in your life… Easier said than done I know. Have faith.
I am so sorry for what you are going through and wish Aimee the very best in her road to recovery. I can empathize with what you are going through as my husband was just hospitalized for this same flesh eating bacteria in August of last year. He also had to go through 20+ surgeries for debridements, skin grafts, etc. He had to have a colostomy for 8 months and was able to finally have that reversed a month ago. It was a very long road to recovery and we have 3 small children. But I do know what you are going through as we did not think he was going to make it for a couple of months. God bless you and your family and Aimee continues to be in our prayers.
Hello,
I’ve been keeping up on this story about Aimee. 4 years ago, I rushed my Mom to the ER because she has such severe pain in her right leg and it was swollen & purple. She had been really sick with strep throat and the flu a week before. Long story short, when I got her to the hospital, they could not get a temperture or blood pressure…she was going into toxic shock. After many tests..I was told she possibly had flesh eating bacteria and was very ill..they didn’t think she was going to make it. I was in shock, but by God’s grace and the power of prayer, my Mom made it though this horrific infection with only her right leg amputated up to her hip. She is a true mircle just as your Aimee is. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers. It is still hard for me to understand some times why this happend to my sweet mom and still hard to belive it was flesh eating bacteria. But I know “God’s ways are not my ways” and that He is using my Mom and her story to draw so many people unto himself. May the Lord Bless your family and continue to touch & heal Amiee’s body!
God bless your entire family! What an inspiration Aimee is! I always tell people to enjoy each and everyday!!
Wow seems like she should be thankful for her nurses, but she lashes out at them. She needs to pray and thank God she is alive.
She is angry and confused and misdirecting her anger is very normal. We are not to judge.
I wonder if you would lash out at nurses in these types of situations? God Bless Amy, Praying for you and your family. You’ll never be able to fathom the amount of families and injured people your courage and story has touched.
I have been praying for Aimee ever since this horrible incident happened to her.
Look at the site travismills.org. This is a soldier who recently lost all 4 limbs and had phantom pain. They put him in a ketamine “coma” for 5 days to reset his brain to stop the phantom pain, and it worked. Maybe an option for Aimee? Worth talking to her doctors about.
Dearest Copeland Family,
The Bible tells us, “when we exalt the Lord, he will draw all men unto us”. That is exactly what is happening here. God is at work each and everyday and his will, will be done. Mr. Copeland, you are so very right by choosing to look at Aimee’s accident the way you are. God gives us free will to make any choice we choose to make. He also holds us accountable for how we will respond to that choice. I stand in totally agreement with you and remember, “he that is in you and Aimee is greater than he that is in this world”. God has allowed what’s happened for his greater purpose. We may not see that now but, I trust him, as you have openly spoke those same words. A wonderful gifted worship leader, whom I’ve met more than once, Ron Kenoly, says, “when your going through hell, don’t stop.. just keep going… he also sings a beautiful song, “Beauty for Ashes”. Aimee’s beauty is going to be poured out like never before when all this is done. The road may be difficult, as it is but, let me remind you, the entire world and many other Nations are praying to our heavenly father on Aimee’s behalf. God’s ways are not our ways. Nor are his thoughts our thoughts. We can not even fathom how this is going to turn out. Just stand your ground. Continue to put on the full armor of God and know we all are surrounding your entire family with a “wall of fire around you so that nothing and I mean nothing will hinder you”. Be encouraged this day with Numbers 6:24-26. Love and prayers to you all.
I’ve been following Aimee’s story since my husband has battled the disease himself…He lost a great deal of tissue, but is healing nicely. During the debridement procedure, it was determined that he also had a cancerous tumor in his anus.
We’re on the mend now, it’s been almost a year! Prayers, positive thoughts and lots of love and great deal more humor has brought us to where we are today. We don’t have an “all clear” on the cancer as yet, but we’re still working on it.
Believe me, I thought I would lose my husband, but today he’s still here by my side and I think it was because of all the prayers we received while he was hospitalized.
This message is meant to be one of inspiration…there is hope!! Aimee seems like such a strong person and she has an amazing family to support her.
We pray for y’all everyday…things will get better!!!
Please call me 805 331 9834 ASAP. I have a couple questions.
Hello Andy and Donna from Andy and Dawna.
I want you to know I have been praying for Aimee ever since I read about her. On May 15th a high school classmate of my son’s was critically injured after being hit by a drunk driver. Tomorrow, June 8th, she will “roll” across the stage in a wheelchair and graduate with her class. Her name is Sarah Davis and she attends Cascade Christian HS in Puyallup, WA. I tell you this because of watching the Lord perform a miracle between 5/15 and 5/26. We went from praying for her life in ICU to praying for successful surgeries to WOW! Will you look at what happened!!!
The Lord prepared me how to pray by leading me to read The Boy who came back from heaven and Heaven is for Real. We are going through some losing-a-job-issues and I just needed to know He was there. I normally would read a chapter or two before bed. The night of the 15th, I stayed up way too late finishing “Heaven is for Real”. The next morning I heard about the accident. I was at the hospital by noon and knew how to pray.
The Bible tells us “For the struggle is not between flesh and blood, but principalities, hosts and powers of darkness.” Aimee’s spirit belongs to Jesus. Satan tried to take her life ending her witness for the Lord. Jesus has snatched her back into the land of living. (“Jesus came so that we would have life and have it more abundantly.”) The only thing left for satan to do at this point, is to try and force Aimee to live a defeated life. The battle (and it is a battle) belongs to the Lord. If you haven’t already, pray continually in Jesus name, for the binding of satan, his demons and all the people under their control away from Aimee. Her witness for the Lord is now reaching worldwide. Satan is not happy about that!
Aimee, you have been chosen from the beginning of time, as a physical sacrifice for Jesus . Your situation, reaction and story have given you a platform for Him you never had before. It isn’t easy. “Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will sustain you. He will NEVER let the righteous fall.” Pslms 55:22.
The Lord will guide you, strengthen and help you in front of the whole world. Just as He gave his life in a very public, painful way, full of humiliation, only to raise from the dead in triumph, so too will you be raised up! (Jesus died to take away the sins of the earth. and he was raised from the dead to prepare for us a place in His Father’s house)
His physical scars were still with Him and very public (to the point of being shown intentionally to Thomas), after his resurrection. So too will your scars in your physical body be public and still with you. Just as His scars gave Him the legitimacy in his testimony, for being raised from the dead, so will your scars give you legitimacy in your testimony for spiritual life after physical death.
Just as satan was a tempter to Jesus, satan will be a tempter to you concerning your infliction. You have the power in the name of Jesus to overcome ALL the temptations he will throw at you. Learn how to use the power of the blood and name of Jesus. (it is revealed in His word.)
Special people are not chosen by the Lord for special tasks without being given special “help” to accomplish those tasks. I don’t know if Moses would have signed up for his gig, if he knew what all his story would entail and how it would end for him here. He only knew “the big picture” and one day at a time beyond that. He knew of his faith and dependance on the Lord and the Lord’s power.
Know of you being chosen, just as Moses, Abraham, Hanna, Mary etc etc were chosen for special purposes. Know of His power and your consecration to bear witness for Him in a world needing Him, here and now, more than ever.
We will continue our prayers of spiritual protection, physical, mental and emotional healing. It will be exciting to see how you are used the rest of your life!
My name is Suzanne, I am a level 1 Trauma ICU RN in Texas. I was born and raised in GA. Augusta born, Atlanta, raised. I have not posted until now. I feel your pain as well as your daughter’s pain. I, being a nurse in a very critical state, see and understand the frustrations from all sides. Your daughter is an AMAZING person and this is what happens when traumatic injuries occur. Please know that I am following your families story as well as the progress. My family is praying for all of you. It will continue to be a struggle both for you as a family, and for Aimee. The more she recovers, the more frustrating it will become. Thankfully, Aimee has her wonderful family, and the entire world, GOD included, by her side. I hope this becomes even more of a miracle in the future. Until then, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Spizzirri
feel free to contact me at 770-849-9935, i’m here for you as well!
I am so sorry that Aimee is going thru this. She has changed so many lives. I pray for her and your family. You are always in our prayers. God Bless you all.
I pray for Aimee all the time. I hope she finds patience and acceptance for such a terrible situation. While I have several autoimmune disorders, I am very very blessed in this life and very thankful for all I have. I hope Aimee comes to realize this too and that she can move on to a highly fulfilling life.
Message for Aimee:
My name is Dustin, I live in Michigan. I can’t imagine what you have been through since your accident. I’m sure every day has been it’s own challenge. It may be hard for you to look ahead but I hope you can regain your spirits and have a bright future in your mind. You sound like a very strong person and I know you can accomplish anything with your strength that you’ve shown the world. I wish you and your family the best. Stay strong and know that the world is yours for the taking.
Keep Smiling
Dustin
Bless you and your family.
I’m from Brazil and I’m praying for Aimee and her family.
God bless you.
With love,
Paty
Hi Andy,
Have you heard about treating the phantom limb pain with mirror therapy? I heard it works. youtube.com/watch?v=YL_6OMPywnQ
I hope this helps relieve Aimee’s pain. She is in my prayers.
Today I read about the phantom pains your daughter is experiencing. I wanted to share about a product that has had great success in stopping this kind of pain. It is a fabric, not a drug. I know that sounds unbelievable but please take a moment to check it out.
The website is farabloc.com/
I have been and will continue to pray for Aimee and your family.
mkk
Hi Andy –
I just want to let you know that your family’s story has really touched me and made me re-evaluate my understanding of the difficult trials we all must face in this life. I pray for Aimee and your family and everybody suffering.
Perhaps science will one day come up with a way to restore those parts Aimee has lost. The important thing right now is that she is alive. This world works in odd ways, and it can be so difficult to process sometimes, but I just know you’ll remain positive, your family is a true inspiration to everyone. Please be safe and well, we are rooting for you!
youtube.com/watch?v=vNk8GhlBn6I
What about Pixie Dust? Has this technology for Military Veterans been attempted for limbs like it was once hoped for?
I don’t want to give false hope but I agree with Grace and hope that our advances with modern medicine can help your daughter. I’m praying for Aimee and for her recovery. I can’t stop thinking about her. The week of her accident I was zip lining. It was must first and last time @ age 42.
Aimee, I am so glad to hear you’re finding blessed peace knowing God has the reigns! Realizing your in His hands will help you immensly on your journey. You are truly an inspiration and I pray for you to have no more pain, you’ve had far too much and I’m sorry for that. You have a wonderful supportive family and great caregivers, another of God’s wonderful blessings, you will be fine and happy, just let Him do his work.
I needed to read your words – and God’s word – today. So thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts with strangers. I’ve been feeling sorry for myself – as I have a special needs child whose needs can sometimes exhaust me… and sometimes even leave me asking God “Why?” Sometimes I want to throw in the towel – I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve shouted up to the heavens, “That’s it – I quit!” But life came with no lifetime warranty, did it… and no promises of perfection, or of smooth sailing. So God leads me to answers in odd ways sometimes, which is how I suppose I ended up at your blog. :o) As an Army wife, I can’t help but connect Aimee’s journey with that of hundreds/thousands of soldiers who are also learning a new “normal” without limbs – she is not alone, and because of their sacrifices – Aimee may benefit from all the new prosthesis that now exist that makes soldiers lives better! So – God Bless Aimee, and please tell her that we are all sending her our angels to watch over her as she heals and starts her new journey.
Andy, Aimee, Paige and Donna- we are blessed to be able to host the Border Bash Blood Drive in Aimee’s honor Monday, June 11, on the campus of the University of South Carolina where Andy graduated mycarolina.org . There are multiple drives going on between the UGA and USC campuses, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Let’s make next week a national blood drive week in honor of Aimee and all the other people who need blood on a daily basis. In Aimee’s words, “Let’s Do This!”
In 1981 (I was Aimee’s age at that time) I developed an infection that was baffling to doctors; my father patiently took me from one doc to the next and my diagnoses ranged from kidney failure to leukemia. Finally, a seasoned cardiologist “hit the nail on the head” by telling me I had pericarditis (fluid around the heart). He immediately admitted me to the hospital where I stayed for the next three weeks and then out of work for 3 months. After an initial diagnosis of atypical tuberculosis, it eventually was determined that my condition was benign, recurring idiopathic pericarditis. I developed a significant amount of fluid in the lining around my lungs and in the lining around my heart. Numerous considerations were made as to how to treat this condition as my fever grew higher and higher and no true origin could be determined. I married three years later and now have two grown children (a daughter and son-in-law and a son). My father passed away in July of 2009 and never wanted to talk about that season of our lives. He remembered it in a horrible way, but it serves (now) as a very special memory in my heart, because I believe it’s when I was set in the direction of my calling – to work in every endeavor of my life to share the unconditional love of God through Jesus Christ. As my mother had leaned over me in the hospital bed with her brow drawn asking me if I was going to die, I remember telling her, “no,” but genuinely wondering myself. I remember the pain and the lack of understanding of what was happening in my body, the fear of what tomorrow was going to hold and that humbling reality that I had no control over this. One night as I lay in bed sleeping (I was in a fairly large room alone because they thought I was contagious at that point), I woke up and saw my father’s dark shadow at the foot of my bed with his head knelt in prayer. I never let him know that I woke up, because it was such a precious and special moment. The love of God absolutely swept over my soul and embraced me in such a way that it changed my life. There sat the man I admired more than anyone in the world humbly bowing in reverence to our God; I have no doubt he was suggesting to God that He trade the two of us, offering himself in my place. From that point forward, my body began to heal, the fluid that had been growing and returning (though doctors had attempted to draw much of it off through needles), began to leave my body and what they called “recurring” has never returned. I am a very healthy 54 year old and am training to run in the Peachtree Road Race this year. So, I say Aimee may not be “out of the woods” yet physically, but I believe God will provide the way to get her back in those woods she loves in due season and the life changing love she’ll be able to share with those in need will be so much greater and so much stronger than any love she could have demonstrated before. My heart and prayers are with Aimee and your whole family. Thank you ALL for your inspiration and for being vulnerable enough to share these special moments with all of us.
God bless Aimee. May she know that her story has touched this person and millions of others across the world.
Her courage has spread to not only her own family, but to me. I know my words that are typed are in no way going to replace her condition, but the spirit that lives in her is contagious and inspirational. Aimee….you are so blessed to be chosen by God to be a leader to others.
I lost part of my foot ten years ago due to an allergic reaction to Heparin. I know those feelings that Aimee is going through. Please tell her that the pains do get better with time. The anxiety and depression do eventually get better too. Has she by any chance been put on the duragesic pain patches? If so, please monitor her closely. Those caused me to have a nervous breakdown. I would never recommend anyone have to go through the emotional roller coaster they put you through.
During the sickness, I Knew immediately that God had a big plan for me. I had been in a coma for a month before I lost my foot, and when I finally woke up, I was still on the ventilator and completely paralyzed. I prayed to God the whole time and He carried me through. He has a big plan for Aimee too. I will pray for all of you. God bless.
Having followed Aimee’s story since the accident, what I have seen is one extraordinarily strong young woman who is contending with something I know I never could. I believe that she will fully recover, even from the phantom pains. She may be missing a leg and her hands and other foot but she is still a whole person, having such a strong soul. God bless her!
I am so sorry for Aimee’s suffering and the anguish her family is experiencing-it’s incomprehensible. I pray for her continued healing, relief from pain, and the strength for each day. I hope she will be encouraged each moment.
Some people are completely insensitive.
I think and pray for Aimee everyday! I continue to pray that she may resonate in His peace!
I don’t know if it’s the same thing but our son had a similar situation when he was paralyzed several years ago. He had severe pain in his limbs even though he couldn’t feel it when someone touched him (or even when they stuck him with a pin). Pain medication didn’t help him very much either.
I think the doctors told us it would take 10 days to 2 weeks for his brain to process what had changed and, until then, he might continue to feel the pain. But it did get better, and I’m praying for you.
I send my love. God bless.
Aimee, I will be praying for you. God has surely saved you for a very special purpose and He will reveil that purpose at the right time. Lean on the Lord, He is always there for you as it seems that you have already found out and remember this.
Aimee is such an inspiration. I think about her all of the time. I pray for her and wonder how she is doing. When the sun shines I see her smile. I am so happy she was able to find peace through the Lord to help her with her pain. I have had many surgeries and the hardest part is the not knowing when it is going to get better. Aimee just needs to know that that time is coming where she will feel better and have the control she needs and the Lord is with her.
PHANTOM PAIN RELIEF:
search.yahoo.com/search?p=mirrors+used+to+eliminate+phantom+pain&ei=UTF-8&fr=w3i&type=W3i_DS,157,0_0,Search,20120623,6902,0,29,0
Google, “Mirror cure for Phantom pain”…the research was done at Oxford and several other prominent schools and medical facilities. Pray this helps your dear daughter.
The strength that you and your family has shown through this ordeal is inspiring. The pain you must feel for your daughter must be great and must be all encompassing. Please send thoughts to Aimee from this mother of two daughters in Arizona.
She will come through this with a wisdom and understanding of life that most will never come to know.
Andy,
Your daughters are beautiful. Your family is beautiful, inside and out. I am praying for Aimee, for the phantom pains to dissipate entirely and for her progress to accelerate even more. It’s incredible how far she’s come. It’s coming from within her amazing spirit which is nurtured by the Life-Giver and the Great Physician.
Your perspective is an inspiration and a testament to the way you’re there for your family. I also think the way you are running this blog is great. It’s sensible and keep up the good work.
So much praise here for God. If God is so great, why did he give her the disease in the first place? You people crack me up.
I have been praying also for all of you but especially Aimee. I would like to share something that may help your daughter with the phantom pains she is experiencing. It is not a drug it is a fabric that was developed by a son for his father who also was an amputee. The name of the product is Farabloc.
I will continue to pray.
Hello,
yesterday I read a story about Aimee and touched me deeply, I was really touched by what happened.
Then I decided to search and found this site, I was very happy to know that she is recovering and that her life has changed the lives of many people.
From now on I will pray for her and her family that God will sustain and support you in a big way, after all, even though I was far away, here in Brazil, we are all connected by faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
I had to find this to check up on how she was doing. God can perform miracles and it really does put life in perspective. Thank you for sharing your blog with us. I will pray for Aimee and your family again. God gave me a miracle when there was no hope for my grandmother….he gave me three more years with her. Miracles do happen.
In reading the book called IN A PIT WITH A LION ON A SNOWY DAY, Aimee came to my mind. I haven’t finished it yet, but it is a good book with encouragement for you. Mark Batterson wrote it and also THE CIRCLE MAKER. We are doing a Bible study of the Circle Maker. It was so good that I went out and bought this other one….In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.
While this is not the anniversary you planned – God’s grace and mercy and JOY are seen in it in the powerful testimony that you and Aimee share with your new-found family and friends. May His blessings and healing be with you all – our prayers are!
msnbc.msn.com/id/47734620/ns/health-mens_health/#.T9JwMFKwV7k
I just wanted to pass this link to you, besides the availability there is also a chance Aimee can have a hand transplant. Imagine what medical science can accomplish these days, she may be a perfect candidate for this.
hey,I heard your story and I’m keeping you in my
prayers.I feel so sorry for you and what you had to go through,I don’t think I would’ve survived or thought I would’ve survived.So here is something you should know!…
I can do all things through CRIST who gives me strength.
🙂 ( Phillipeans 4:13 )
Sorry. CHRIST!!!!
HANNAH, CYPRESS TX AGE 9
Sending peace, love and light to Aimee and her family and friends. May daily blessings pour out of this and fill Aimee’s life. May this light shine bright in Aimee from the inside out and flow out to shine on and on to encourage and help others.
To watch your child (even a young adult child) in such severe pain has got to be one of the hardest things. I remember my son’s pain, Doctor’s reaching into his arm, it was as if there had not been any pain medicine given. Somehow God gives parents what they need to get through these torturous times; afterall, He totally understands watching an adult child go through torture. We’d change the pain if we could, but He endured it for our sake.
God bless you each day, each step. Thank you for your faith demonstrated.
I just want to let you know that I pray for Aimee and your family every day. I was like a “2nd Mom” to Matt Dyas, the young golfer that was killed at UWG on his motorcycle last October. We just held his 1st memorial Ride, that ended at UWG, and a golf tournament this past weekend. There are so many people that have changed their lives because of Matt’s accident and for what Matt stood for. I know it is the same with your precious daughter. God has a purpose for us all. I’m sure he has it all planned out for Aimee. She has been and will continue to be an inspiration to so many people, some she will never even meet. God’s plan is so much bigger than we know. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
About 8 years ago I was diagnosed with a severe mental illness. I had suffered for many years before that with the symptoms of it. In recent years I’ve come to accept it much more. It’s like that prayer – “God give me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can’t change, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Accepting what you can’t change can take years, but maybe Aimee can do it faster than I did, I don’t know. In any case, I still deal with the stigma surrounding the mental illness, as I probably always will.
For years, and still, I get enraged at people, and God. Part of my illness is a mood disorder, so it’s not surprising that I do. But that rage arises out of envy of others that have better lives. But now I accept my illness, the stigma it comes with, and the failings of people that they have stopped even trying to fix. With me the whole time was the love of God, his forgiveness, and the Grateful Dead. 🙂
Dear brave Aimee and her family,
I read your story just 10minutes ago.. And since then I have been praying for you.. And will continue praying until you get well, and back home to your family and friends who love you so much.
I am an Arabic Muslim girl who lives thousands of miles away, you would wonder why should I send you or even sympathize with your story.. But any human being, who wouldn’t feel with you and with with what you are going through now is not to be called human..
Aimee, you are such a beautiful young lady, and an amputated limb doesn’t change that fact.. You know why ? Because looking at your photos I can see that your beauty is your inner self.. It is radiating in each photo, and very overwhelming ..
I wish you all the best, and that you will get better soon, I will pray to Allah to keep you safe and to guide you in your coming years..
I want you to know that you have a friend who lives thousands of miles away from you, but still keeps thinking.. Me.. 🙂
Copland family, stay strong and I will pray for you too..
I’ve never blogged before, but that’s not important. I’ve been following Aimee’s story from the beginning. The world is full of willful acts of death and destruction. Starvation and famines, earthquakes, tradegy seems to be endless. So where does one start in a prayer that is not a catch all, general prayer , but one that is meaningful and loving.
This morning while I was reading Scripture and praying, the Holy Spirit told me to direct my prayers of healing to Aimee daily. So she and your family will receive my petition to God to heal and renew Aimee in every facet of her life and to give you and your family strength and peace.
I do not know Aimee or you, but God knows your name and mine. He has bonded us together with His love. What a blessing He has given me. Morning and night you all will be in my prayers.
Michael
your family is so strong, and i wish you well and will continue to pray for her recovery. I heard about this story while watching the news I live in Australia, and as a parent myself seeing a child go through what aimee has and coming out the other side with a smile and zest for life is a miricle in itself. keep fighting, God bless your family.
I’m really glad Aimee’s getting better!!!!! I’m really sorry about her “hands” hurting! I’ve been praying for Aimee since I read about her and I’ve added her to my list of heroes! I know she’ll go on to do something amazing! (besides inspiring thousands of people!) I’ve got dance recital tomorrow, and I’ll he thinking of Aimee all day!!!! Get better soon and God bless you guys!!! XXXXXXXXX
Amen and prayers to all of your family.
For healing and comfort from pain physical and mental.
For allowing all of us to pray with you and see your faith guide you.
Blessings and hope for a gentle day with new smiles and laughter and miracles
Suzanne
i am a quadrupal amputee of 20+ years! my journey started when i was 25yrs old. please take some time to check out my website which details when i contracted bacterial meningitis, after having been in a coma for 45 days i awoke giving consent for my amputations! i am reaching out to you and your family after being made aware of your daughter aimee, i am available to come and visit with aimee when she is ready! give me a call if you like at 770-849-9935 as i have and am continuing to live the life that aimee will live! my prayers and compassion goes out to you! hope to hear back from you.
helen e. lindsey
I am praying for Amiee. It seems God has given you such an extraordinary talent and beauty. Miki from Tokyo.
Aimee,
Your courage is really inspiring and you have been blessed with a wonderful family, which trully loves you.
Prayers from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Amiee and your family has been in my prayers since the day the world received news o this terrible accident. My prayers continue as many many people pray for you family.
Thank you for the updates on Amiee, GOd has dearly dearly blessed your family with her life and continues to use your family and Aimee as HIS purpose to his GOOD GRACES. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY
KEEP FIGHTINH AMIEE
and Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!
THANK YOU for being faithful to Jesus Christ and for allowing God to use you to encourage those who know Him, and to plant a seed in those who do not. Be encouraged to know so many are praying for Aimee and for her family! Even better, Romans 8 promises that the Holy Spirit Himself intercedes on our behalf. You are surrounded by prayer warriors. May God bless.
Aimee,
You are an inspiration to so many people. I am praying that your pain will subside and your body will continue to heal. You are a beautiful person inside and out. May God continue to watch over you and your family.
Wow, all I can think, is that she is one amazing woman. With one amazing family behind her!!! By the time I was 31, I had 3 seperate brain injuries. And in the healing of it all, I decided. I have a choice. Maybe I didn’t have a choice, but I am here now and I have a choice. I chose to smile when I wanted to, cried when I wanted to, feel sorry for myself when I wanted to, and after all that, I decided I CHOOSE TO LOVE MYSELF ENOUGH TO LIVE MY LIFE!!! And that’s what I have been doing for the last 12 years. Family support is so important, and you appear to be like my family, fabulous!!!Let Amy go with her feelings, they may change day-day, or hour-hour. So What?! It’s her choice, it’s her life. Just remember Amy, you did not choose for this to happen to you, but you have a choice as to how your new life will be!! Make it as beautiful, tough and loving as you seem to be!! Please keep us updated, so many of us are praying and thinking of you, all of you!!!! God Bless you!
Dear Aimee and family,
My name is Ken and I am a double-amputte Wounded Warrior at Brooke Army Medical Center. I wanted to wish you the best of luck in your treatment and care. If you or your family ever want to contact me. Please feel free to do so. I would love to share my experience w/u guys, from a soldiers point of veiw. Dealing with an amputation and learning what to expect.
P.S. Google “Center for Intrepid in San Antonio” when you get a free moment.
newsday.com/news/health/her-new-lease-on-life-with-high-tech-limbs-1.3772238
PLEASE make sure Aimee sees this link when she is up to reading these posts. Andy definitely look at the link yourself please. I don’t know if you read all these posts but Aimee does not have to end up limbless and in a wheel chair for the rest of her life.
Dear Aimme,
I know sometimes words are not enough to balance the loss of all that once seemed so commonplace in our lives. In hard times, the future that we love seems so far, but the truth is that even still there, waiting for us.
At first it will be a daily struggle, but while there is life there is hope, and you’re earning this battle for your life. While some things change, the important thing is that you can still have a good life, you can still achieve your dreams if you put into it full force of the soul. When life hits us hard, we must to recover that faith and strength to keep going, and with the love of your family and the people who love you, anything is possible.
Life can be beautiful, if you desire with all your heart, mind and soul… with all the feeling. You are strong, you’re brave, you’re beautiful. You Aimee Copeland º-º
Erick from Patagonia, Chile.
This morning my 1 year old daughter walked for the very first time in her life. The joy I felt to see my daughter walk, was nothing short of a miracle. After reading your posts about your beloved daughter, I could not even imagine the joy that you must feel in your hearts after seeing your daughter recover from this terrible disease. I don’t even know how I would be able to cope if this had ever happened to my little girl… I couldn’t imagine how you must feel that it is happening to your little girl. Though yes, I know she really is an adult right now, but your little girl will always be your little girl no matter how old she is. The power of prayer is simply amazing. I have never given blood before in my entire life, but your daughter has inspired me to want to donate some of my blood. I pray that God will always be with you and help you get through these trials and tribulations. The war may be over, but the battle has just begun!! Please fight to keep your daughter happy and let her know that you are there for her no matter what she might be going through. I have been praying for Aimee and her family ever since I first heard about the accident. It has raised such an awareness at how dangerous zip lines can be if you are not careful about it – in my community. Thank you for keeping us updated about your daughter. May God be with you.
amen
I know you might think that I have forgotten you and your family but that certainly is not the case. Things have been a little crazy aroung the house but we know that God is still in control. I just wanted you to know that my family and I are still praying for Aimee and the rest of the family. What Stan intended for evil in Aimee’s injury, God has taken and made something not only good but marvelous out of it. There is no telling how many people’s lives all over the world have been positively impacted by the strong faith in God that has been exhibited by all memebers of your family. I am still here waiting to be of service to you and your family in any way I can. God has great and mighty things in store for Aimee. Of this I am sure.
In my last post Stan should be Satan. Brain moving faster than fingers.
PLEASE PLEASE READ THIS! There is a company out of Idaho who has a whole wellness line that IS not part of packaging and selling off your typical store shelves. I have many many of these products that are doing miracles in my home and for my family. The scientists that sudy and create for this company are the most amazing! Call the cooperate office, march into the facitlity and ask if they can help you! I am not kidding! One of their products was just announced to kill Mersa(sp?) the company is Melaleuca. All natural ingrediants brought to us by our own amazing earth that the Lord has created. Its not a long shot this could be your healing answer! Im praying!
Your family and especially your daughter Aimee are so inspiring to me. I know that you all have touched the heart of a nation and God is using you in so many ways. I pray for Aimee’s continued progress and for your continued strength as you help her in the days, weeks and months to come. None of us knows what tomorrow holds and your story helps to remind us to never take a thing for granted and make the most of every day….prayers continue! Melanie Martin West Plains MO
Andy,
You are a true testimant of God’s Grace. The fact that you and your family acknowledge God and give him the Glory is what has healed Aimee. It is your faith and Aimee’s that has made the differnce. Through this horrible struggle God’s grace has reached other’s as well. I wish the whole world had your family and Aimee’s faith. God bless you and Thanks be to God for your testimony. Your family is always in my prayers. Happy Anniversary!
Dear Aimee and Family,
I currently live in Augusta, GA and I am a member of Warren Baptist Church. I also graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Psychology Degree. I feel very close to Amiee. I just want you to know that my family and I are praying for you. You are on my mind all the time and love hearing updates on you. Please keep the updates coming! If your family needs anything we are here for y’all! We serve a BIG GOD and he doesn’t give us more then we can held. I am praying for you and know you are a strong young lady and I can’t wait to see what GOD has in store for you! One day, I can’t wait to hear your story at Warren Baptist Church. Please one day come back and visit us. Praying for my West GA friend and now currently my Augusta friend.
You are a strong Christian and you have a strong Christian Family. You are so Blessed!
Prayers and Love being sent to you!
The Burt Family
Amy has shown so many of us that we should be thankful for the things in life we take most granted for in life. She has strong will and to me, the most patient person i have ever heard of. I hope she continues to be this way, as she heals and becomes better InshaAllah. (God Willing).
Amy went through her grieving moments, but I pray that her pain vanishes. She has truly made a difference in this world, and made many of us think twice about being unhappy with things that seem so small now. I want to have her patience, strength and will in life.
May God Bless Aimee now and every day until she makes a complete recovery! I pray for peace for you all!
One day you will wake up in a timeless place where there is eternal life .you will know that life is short like a bad dream or good dream and you will felt the amazing love of the all mighty one in the eternity , you will say it was all true .
I am a 24 year old college student and I find Aimee’s unimaginable event an inspiration!
I got chills when I first heard her story and continue to keep her in prayer. It is in God’s will to get you and your family through this. For yall have a rock of faith. Through all the hard times there will be battles but with the power of prayer she will be healed. Nothing but positive energy and prayers your way!
May you and your family continue to carry strength . God bless you and your beautiful family.
My best wishes go to your daughter Aimee. But tell me, good Sir, why all those quotes from the bible? How is an invisible man in the sky, or any imaginary entity, going to help combat the result of a very serious bacterial infection? Wouldn’t the time and money better be spent in educating people on the signs of nectrotizing fasciitis? Or in gathering research money for an efficient antibacterial therapy? Or in starting an initiative to find and destroy the source of the recent infection spree in North America? This is what I’d recommend.
It is well with you Aimee and may the Lord perfect the good works He has started in your life in Jesus name. You are healed by yhe stripes that Jesus bore. What a wonderful family, may your labor of love over your beautiful and courageous daughter and sister never go in vain in Jesus name.
I love what Aimee said, that she had to surrender her anger to God. How i have learned this as well. God bless your family for the rest of your lives with health and abundance. I found this blog today after thinking of Aimee and her family very often ever since I heard about the accident here in Europe. I am sorry for all you have been through. Life is not fair. God did not choose this to happen to your beautiful vivacious daughter. It just happened…..may your family become stronger than ever. And may Aimee continue on her courageous road to recovery and inner peace. Love from Europe!
Hi Andy, I’m a former Muslim, now an atheist. I used to be a strong believer in God. I now know that God does not exist and no Earthly religion is from God. If he did exist, he would never have let such a cruel thing happen. I hope Aimee is eventually able to be pain-free and be contented in life in spite of everything that has happened and is going to happen. That’s all that matters. You can delete or not approve this message, that’s ok with me.
Prayers from Richmond, VA
Pocas veces he leído algo tan conmovedor. Su visión de la vida y amor a Dios es mas fuerte que por ello y sin lugar a dudas esta usted bendecido junto con su familia, no se por qué a gente buena Dios le da pruebas tan fuertes, como la que su familia esta sufriendo, pero a veces es el Karma que todos tenemos, que tenemos que cargar y soportar para ser alguien realmente superior. Aimee es ahora mas bella porque ella es un ángel, de eso no tengo la menor duda, lo importante ahora es su rehabilitación porque si ahora es inspiracional por ese coraje que tiene para enfrentar a la vida, es el momento que ella se demuestre asimisma que bajo sus condiciones nadie perece si existe amor real a Dios y a la vida que nos es prestada, pero que sirve para dar testimonio que por sobre todas las cosas, Dios es eterno, bueno, verdadero y un lugar en el paraiso nos espera para estar con El, que Dios le siga dando fortaleza y sobre todo ahinco para enfrentar con la rehabilitacion de su hijo, pero felicito de todo corazon a ustedes padres que han hecho un trabajo maravillosa para enseñarnos el verdadero significado que significa amar a Dios y a la familia. Que Dios les siga bendiciendo.
Mr. Copeland, have any of your daughter’s doctors tried the mirror box technique or other similar strategies to help with the phantom pain? I have studied Dr. Vilayanur Ramachandran in school and learned about his research in phantom pain – he created the mirror box technique and has shown that the brian can be essentially tricked into believing the hand (or in this case hands) is still there – allowing for treatment.
I’m sure you have googled phantom pain by now and this has probably come up, but in case you haven’t I believe this is worth a try. It doesn’t always work, but patients for whom it does have experienced great relief.
All the best,
Anna Espinosa
You’re likely to be familiar with Rayna DuBose’s story, but if not, you should read about her and perhaps talk with her:
raynadubose.net/
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11276-2005Feb9.html
youtube.com/watch?v=G85nEmEggcc
youtube.com/watch?v=JKg05gesGi4
youtube.com/watch?v=7ifhqDmiMW8
She’s a beautiful and energetic young woman who lost her hands and feet due to meningococcal meningitis, but returned to school and finished her degree.
She didn’t have to deal with a high-hip amputation, but I’m sure she can can relate to this experience and provide some valuable insights.
Andy, i’m disabled and i think i have it bad but each day i read your stories it just amazes me. I wished i just had a little bit of faith ya’ll have. And i think i have problems; NO, not what so ever.Your family my prayers.
Praying for all of you. I saw this article in my local paper recently and after reading about Aimee’s experiences with phantom pain I thought you might be interested. The doctors treating your daughter probably already know about this, but just in case they don’t here’s the link:
post-gazette.com/stories/news/health/wvu-student-with-math-disorder-invents-device-to-help-amputees-636818/?p=0
Take care.
Even though I’m leaving 20000km away from South Carolina, I’ve heard about Aimee’s story. She and your whole family are amazing. What an example you set for other people and myself. Your faith, hope and fight are just inspiring. I really hope that Aimee’s condition will continue to improve. Take care
Bless you, Aimee, and your family. Sending you my very best wishes. You are such an inspiration to the rest of us.
Praying for Aimee and your family in Clanton, AL.
Hi,
I have been following Aimee’s progress and pray that she is better soon. I know that when a family has a medical emergency situation on their hands it is hard to find the answers needed to help solve the problem. Sometimes, it is helpful to have an outsider looking in. For this reason, I wanted to share some information I’ve been reading on hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Please google “hyperbaric oxygen therapy.” I think it really could help Aimee with this terrible disease. My passion in life is to help and serve people. I hope that things get better for Aimee and your famly. God Bless.
I have a lot of problems, as I am sure we all do, but your ability to adapt, overcome, and find peace during this turmoil gives me strength to hit my problems head on instead of skirting them. Your faith will be your hands and feet because with God all things are possible. You are obviously one of His angels. God Bless you and your family.
I read where Aimee wants to use holistic pain control. I HIGHLY recommend that she do that, if possible. I have destroyed my body from using opiates to help with the pain of inoperable spinal tumors due to neurofibromatosis. I do need some, but I have cut back considerably. i have always used acupuncture, energy work and meditation in conjunction with the drugs, but I would love to get off them. Neuropathic pain is demonic, and almost impossible to control. Your pain will, thank heaven, go away eventually. I’d give anything for that!!! Hang in there,Aimee, and you GO GIRL
Dear Mr,Copeland
All that your daughter has been through I feel ashamed on what I complain about on a daily basis,all the little things in life.jobs,money,other people we all complain about is trivial to what aimee is going through,god bless your family and hopr all goes well
I have never met Aimee or your family, but I have followed her story since it was in the news. After reading many post on Facebook and this blog, all I can say is what an inspiration Aimee has been to so many people. I haven’t followed Aimee’s story in the past two weeks, but as I watched the news last night, there was a 38 year old man named Craig Dietz who was born without limbs. Described as a man with no legs, no arms but one GIANT heart, he swam 4 miles across the Chesapeake Bay. He display of courage and strength and a I can do attitude, brought thoughts of Aimee after watching this news report. One giant heart. That would be a perfect description of Aimee. One Giant Heart! A heart of courage, a heart of love, and a heart of undying faith.
The strength and courage Aimee has shown has left many of us in awe. She is a true testimony to our Lord and Savior. Yes there will be bad times, times she and your family get discouraged, mad, and even angry, but I know you all know God is with you and you find comfort in him. Your family has praised him in the deepest, darkest valley and I know you will praise him when you reach that mountain top! May God continue to bless Aimee and your family. We will continue to pray for her healing, well being, and inner peace. And one day, we will see her in the news again, possibly swimming the Chesapeake Bay!, because she has One Giant Heart!
Hello again, jus letting u know my children and I are continuing to Pray for Aimee and ur Family, Love Always, the Beasley Family from Branson, Mo……
Praying that Aimee will be blessed with God’s peace and acceptance. Aimee is a beautiful inspiration to all.
We are praying for Aimee. When my husband was 23 years old he was in an explosives accident while in the military. His hands were blown off, he lost his eyesight and most of his hearing. He also has lots of facial scarring and has had many reconstructive surgeries. He was in various hospitals for about a year and a half having about 40 surgeries. That was in 1984. . . 28 years ago. This is so early in Aimee’s journey, and I think my husband can probably pray for her in ways that some of us who haven’t struggled with catastrophic injury can’t. But there is always hope.
Aimee:) You are a special person & that will always be true. No matter what, it is the heart that really matters in the end. When I was a medical student trying to get into Orthopaedic Surgery, I spent 6 weeks in other parts of Canada to help my chances of being accepted… I met a good person that was doing the same, Strachan Hartley, & we spent that time leaning on each other as friends for support. On the last day of our time together, he took me aside to tell me he was feeling really tired… we both agreed that we were tired from all the long hours. I never really saw him again as he died of lymphoma shortly after. It is my greatest regret in life that I didn’t understand. He was a real prince, & I really miss him. I have asked him to look over you, & I hope that you understand:)
Nick Vujicic-I am not sure if you have heard of him but he is a true inspiration. Praying For Your family.
Stay strong Aimee and family! The world is thinking of you and praying for you every day.
Andy,
I have tried every way possible to reach you for several weeks and had about given up when I read the update in your blog.
I fully expect that you will not believe this. However, if Aimee has a relapse (God forbid), please contact me. I know of a cure that absolutely works, is approved by the FDA and has zero (yes, zero) side effects. See! I knew you would not believe me. Oh well, at least I tried one last time.
God bless.
Bill
I am very happy to hear of Amiee’s continued progress. I know she has a long road ahead of her but she sounds like a remarkable young women and she has quite a support group. I wish Amiee all of our best from Boston.
Laurie
I read that Aimee has used meditation for pain. She may also want to try hypnosis. It has reduced phantom pains for others. While I have been praying for Aimee’s speedy recovery since first hearing her story; today, on finding this web site, I donated money. As a nurse for more than 40 years, I know that Aimee has a long and very expensive road ahead of her. I hope that all of those who are praying for her will also make a donation if they possibly can. Small amounts add up. I don’t know Aimee or her family, but they certainly seem to be deserving of our help.
Aimee,
I understand challenge, I need a kidney transplant, but, you have exhibited strength beyond mine….MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
Please keep up the strong recovery, rehab will be tough, but you can and will set an example for all of us who THINK we are having a tough time. Every time I start feeling sorry for myself, someone like you shows up and straightens me out. GOD does have a plan, and it will reveal itself in time on its own schedule.
We all love you as does GOD!
RUSS HEISINGER
GALLATIN, TN.
May God continue to heal Aimee and may He continue to strengthen her and the entire Copeland family.
God Bless, Renee’
Dear Mr. Copeland, I’m a regular blood donor and am scheduled for June 27 or I would have given when the Gamecocks gave. Your family and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers. She must really special to have the positive attitude she has displayed. I’m sure her family has much to do with that. May God bless all of you, and every wish for her speedy return to great health. Helen Foley
Andy & Family;
I can’t tell you enough how much I empathize right now with you. On March 28th we received a call that my 30 year old sister was in the Critical Care Unit of a hospital almost 5 hours away from us. She had an ear infection that got into her blood stream that made her completely septic. She had her spleen removed when she was 16 years old, which is why her body was unable to fight the infection. There wasn’t much hope that she would make it. Your family and mine have gone through the same ups and downs; moved a step forward to be forced to move back again. We have prayed for Shannon’s eyes to open, watched as she got pneumonia while in a coma, watched her hands and feet turn purple and black, saw her go on dialysis… Sound familiar? We celebrated the day her eyes opened, just as you did for Aimee. Shannon is still in the hospital and we are still continuing to pray for her, and have added Aimee to our prayers. I started a website for Shannon as soon as became ill to keep family and friends updated on her condition, just have you have done for Aimee. I printed out all of your journals and brought them to Shannon to read in the hospital to give her inspiration and so that she is not alone in this battle. She is fighting and being strong for Aimee as well as herself. I’m thinking that even arranging a call between the two might prove helpful for both. They would know how the other is feeling much more than we do. Here is the link to Shannon’s site:
caringbridge.org/visit/shannonkrumpschmid
If you read through my Journal I’ve kept for her, you will be amazed at how parallel they are. Perhaps it may give you strength, encouragement and hope the way your blog does for us. I feel like we’re in this together and I pray for Aimee’s physical and mental well-being often.
Warm Thoughts ~
Sherry Canard
What a brave and beautiful spirit in Amy. We feel sorry for ourselves for a hangnail or a little back pain…need I say more? My prayers and wishes for your family.
My prayers and wishes go out to Aimee and your entire family. After reading your blog on a weekly basis I hold back my tears and questioned myself why does God permit these horrible things to happen? Aimee’s story has awaken me to cherish and be greatful for the “lil” things in life..With God willing Aimee will have a speedy recovery. My heart and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God Bless always! Remember God will never abdandon his children.
I read this and could not help but share my experience.
I have a ten month old who suffered from Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia at birth, she was operated on when she was 8 days old. She recovered pretty well, but developed oral aversion and had another surgery when she was 2 months to put G-tube in her stomach. She still feeds through G-tube. She has very weak stomach and vomits a lot. The other night, after her feed, she threw up, when she vomits its painful for her, I could see that in her eyes. Anyway, after she threw up I held her and rocked her to sleep and I noticed she was smiling in her sleep. Just 5 minutes back she was crying her (not so strong) lungs out and now she was smiling. I was amazed, how can this tiny fragile being smile through pain? Suddenly I was immensely angry, angry at everything, everyone, entire world, even god. Why her? Why does she have to undergo that pain? Why can’t she be like normal kids? Why should she spend 7 hours every day connected to a tube that feeds her instead of crawling around like normal babies? Why? Why? I burst into tears, could not stop crying. I cried through the night. My husband kept telling me how fortunate we were to have her with us, in spite of all those complications. How she is growing beautifully and how she makes every moment worth living. I understood what he was saying, I agreed to every word he said, I knew he was right, but I could not control my emotions.
I read your blog and could not stop wondering if you ever had this kind of experience? Why your baby? How did you deal with it? What gives you so much strength to accept what has happened and move on? I am pretty strong normally, I was strong through out her NICU stay, but there are these weak moments when I am just not in control and I hate that.
I wish you, Aimee and your entire family all the happiness in the world, This too shall pass!!
I HOPE AIMEE IS STILL DOING WELL. I AM SURE IT IS GETTING HARDER PSYCHOLOGICALLY AS SHE RECOVERS, AND ACCEPTING THE GRAVITIY OF THIS TRAGIC ACCIDENT. AIMEE YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN AND I SEND YOU POSITIVE HEALING ENERGY THROUGH THE UNIVERSE. STAY STRONG, KEEP MOVING FORWARD, AND KNOW THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE ROOTING FOR YOUR RECOVERY.
-L-
May the many blessings of Christ spread abundantly throughout your family, friends and acquaintances in Jesus name, Amen.
My daughter told me yesterday that she’s been requesting prayer for Amy whenever she’s in a kids group at church and she prays for Amy every night. We are praying for her PT and OT rehab. I’ve been through some really tough times coming out of an abusive marriage and now being a single parent. I’ve seen my daughter long for her dad to be a different dad. And its been tough but God has blessed us as I am finishing up my doctoral degree in physical therapy. Aimee is touching so many lives and so many are praying for her; just in my daughter’s group 20 kids alone; 9 yr olds that want to see her do all things in Christ.
May her salvation continue to blaze out like a flaming torch! Is 62:1
XOXO to you Aimee!
Andy, how do I send a private message to you or Aimee? I have something I want to share with her and its to long to post. I can even write it and send it in the mail to. It does not matter either way. God Bless
Been reading about Aimee for a while, her strengh amazes me, and yours as well. I don’t believe in a religion, but I am alittle envious that I don’t have the same faith as you have, it must be a comfort and obviously it gives you strength.
Am struggling with a back and neck injury, hypermobile joint and a post op shoulder and collarbone, but never something like this. Am counting my blessings, and while you can’t be in my prayers, you are in the positive thoughts I am sending out in cosmos – I am guessing that is also some sort of prayer.. ?
I have thought about Aimee and your family quite a lot since The Event and I, too, have used her experience to help me regain better focus and perspective on my own troubles. It is not because what Aimee has gone through is so terrible that anything else pales in comparison – though, yes, it has been a terrible ordeal, one that I, more than likely, will never completely understand. How she has helped so many is that she is still here- struggling, fighting, sometimes sad, sometimes enraged but still here and still progressing. Her story is very motivational and her spirit seems so strong. I guess I want to thank her…she is carrying a huge burden but she is also helping so, so many. She will never know how many lives she has touched. Peace and pain-free days as soon as possible. That’s what I wish for her.
There is such a wide array of comments here. Those that are inspired, those that question God. The despair everyone feels. I said “Lord…What can I say to express some encouragment?” I opened my Bible and it came to these Verses. II Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Our outward man is perishing. We are all going to die one day. Paul says “our Light affliction” I’m sure it doesn’t feel like it’s very light, or for only a moment. But we know that God promises ETERNITY. And that what you are going thru right now is building up for you a far more exceedingly and eternal weight of glory. Paul refers to our bodies first as “this house” then as “this tent”. We can imagine that a tent is no protection against the violent weather etc…has not comforts or luxuries. Paul says that even if it is destroyed…as we will all wither and get old…He reminds us when we get to Heaven…He won’t put us in another “tent”, nor a “house”, but a “BUILDING” for Eternity. Our 80 or so years in this “Tent” is but a whisper and a breath compared to the Building that God will prepare for us for Eternity. There are no human words of comfort or anyway I could ever understand what you are having to face, or how you are feeling. Only I encourage you to remember God’s promises and His love for you. I’m praying for your peace of mind, spirit, and body.
Andy,
I am sorry for your daughter, and I am glad of her improved progress. However, your trying to pawn this terrible, unfortunate, completely RANDOM incident off as God’s way of helping others is ABSURD. If your so-called merciful God was indeed that, he wouldn’t help people in “mysterious” ways but would just help people. He wouldn’t ruin your daugther’s life. I wish you luck but sadly you are using God as a coping mechanism for this horrible ordeal.
Vlad
Hi!!
I hope the best for Aimee and family.
I’ll pray every day that You all keep smiling and don’t forget the good things in life.
Even if you are down there will allways be one to bring you up again.
Here is a little song that allways gets me to smile.
youtube.com/watch?v=BrwUXYU2n_s&feature=relmfu
Love
Randy Nielsen, Denmark
Amy, what has happened is absolutely terrible and just plain terrifying. TERRIFYING! Believe it or not, I truly believe that absolutely EVERYTHING you ever wanted can and will come true. Sending lots of love and support to you. Just Go for it! You can do !t — ANYTHING! — DON’T GIVE UP! Hugs and kisses from someone you will never know but know’s about your unbelievable challenge (and that you can and will do it)… XXOO.
Thank you for sharing this incredible journey that wasn’t wanted but that has given so many of us an opportunity to stop and thank God for life and love. I have your entire family in prayer every night. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I can hardly wait to read the book you and Aimee will write.
Hi Aimee…
I cant say enoughf, be strong in life and you have my wishes for a better life when you get through all of this.
A compliment from little Denmark. It´s inspirering to hear about how much you have to struggle every day with things we take for granted, and how you still have the time for a little smile and i normally don´t pray, but i hope you will resieve some of my thoughts in hope of you will recover, so you can enjoy your life and what it have to offer you.
I´m about your age, and for me to put my self in your situation is really hard to imagine what you must go through every day.
I wish for you and your family, that this will be over soon.
My words can´t heal, but if they could you would be healthy right away.
My english is a bit rusty, but my thoughts to you are strong and without any rust and poor english spelling ;o)
If I were i Amerika, you would have resieved a big hug right away.
A friend in thoughts you have in Denmark
Dearest, or what you say
Kevin
it will be hard for her to handle this but ? am sure she will be ok with the help of you and loved ones.
? was thinking how she can handle her basic needs like going to toilet, eating whenever she wants etc and you wrote that finally…? am so sure none of any pain can compare to this one but she needs to think that she has such a great family. some people dont have any of these…? think we should be grateful of what we have.. she can see, she can hear…? wish ? could hug her tightly and take her pains away:(
lots of love from Turkey
Sinem
God bless you and your family. I am encouraged by the bravery and spirit of Aimee. I am praying for a quick recovery and ability to adjust with all these changes. As you said, it’s a blessing that she is alive and I believe God keeps us here for a purpose. It sounds like she has already helped so many others in their lives and who knows about all the stories that never come to light but lives that have also been changed by Aimee. On her down days, Aimee should remember so many people strive in life to make a difference to others and she clearly has in a big way. That is something to be proud of. God bless all of you.
You may use this poem in any way you want…you have the only copy…
For Aimee
Who knows
When
The Dark Times come
But
Within the pain of reality
Who stands waiting for the Sun…
Who knows
When
There’s no more tears
When you
Just must
Put your shoulder to
Struggles
Through the days and years…
Who knows
When
The Spirits fade
Who finds new Strength
When Others chances were stayed…
Who knows
When
It all seems
There’s no way forth
Who strives
Just to stay the course…
Who knows
When
It seems
The Hope has flown
It is those around you
And the Love they’ve shown…
And who knows
Who you have saved
By the grit you are
And the foundation you’ve laid
For Hope.
We are praying for you Aimee, don’t give up. God must have something so special for you that we can’t even imagine. Do you know Nic Vujicic, the young man with no limbs. God is using him and his testimony all over the world. He does more for the cause of Christ than all of us put together that have all our limbs. God Bless You and Your Family and may he give you all the strength and courage through this very difficult journey.
I was just playing around on the internet and I came across Aimee’s story. To begin with I just couldnt believe it this BEAUTIFUL young girl , so I stopped and started to pray for her healing! I myself am sick and I guess I have just been on a pity party for myself…..after reading Aimee’s story my sickness is NOTHING! Thank you Lord for directing me to this site so I could learn of Aimee’s story.Aimee will continue to be in my prayers as well as the family, and I am going to tell my church Sunday about her and ask them to PLEASE pray for her!!!! The Church I go to (Bassett Worship Center) is a Praying Church, we believe in God’s Healing! We know that He is the GREAT Physican of ALL and that he is the reason these doctors have the knowledge to do what they do.Much LOVE ….GOD BLESS You and All your family. Please tell Aimee to Hold Hard to the faith she has, she is touching people’s life that other-words had NO hope until they read her story!!!!!<3 <3 <3 <3
Andy, Donna & Aimme
Im so sorry about the situation you are facing. My daughter is 15 and since chritsmas day she has been also fighting an inmmune system disease that has been necrotizing her veins and she has renal failure caused by this. I know and feel your pain, all I can say is concentrate on her and look for your friends and relatives love and support. This is the only way to go thru this. She needs you both STRONG and fighting for her. GOD will also listen and be with you. I live in Dallas, TX and the doctors are also working with us saving Grace’s life. Shes been responding to treatement and its alive with me. Just becaue of this I thank GOD everyday,My life’s priorities have changed since this life condition and we will keep fighting . Know that I will also include Aimee in my prayers. Ivonne Moreno
Thank you for your beautiful testimony of staying strong and grounded in God’s sovereign power and love despite the horrible challenges your whole family face each day. May God continue to comfort you all and help Aimee as she adjusts to a new lifestyle… Please see Nick’s story on Life without limbs: lifewithoutlimbs.org/about-nick/ Born without any limb, Nick goes all over the world to share a wonderful message of God’s love and God is using him to transform many lives. God is using your family to transform others’ lives the world over right now too! Thank you for your courage and inspirational blog and for blessing so many through your wonderful attitude and faith!
Aimee,
You are so beautiful inside and out. THE WORLD NEEDS YOU. Just look at all the people you are inspiring!
Shine on Aimee, shine on.
It makes me sad to hear about Aimee, I find her so good and hard, I hope for the best…. Hugs From Denmark
I send you all my love and hope
I just love this post… and everything you have been posting. What an amazing person Aimee is and what am amazing testament of faith! I wish I could just give Aimee a big hug. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with the world. It brings joy to my heart to see a family with such security in the Lord. I do believe God is using all of this to his glory. He promises to never give us more than we can handle and even though this is the fight of Aimee’s life, she’s winning the battle because she’s got God on her side.
I’ve been pissed off at my boss for the last 3 hours and I was on the verge of a full blow up….until I just happened to read the aol article on Aimee’s recovery. I didn’t even know you guys had a website until I saw the link attached to one of the pictures in the article of Aimee. I’m not angry anymore, not because I don’t have any real reason to be angry at my boss, but because Aimee has just reminded me that I can choose to react differently given any situation. God bless your family.
Praying in Chattanooga Tennessee for Aimme and her family! I pray that God helps you heal rapidly and continue to praise him for he is good. Love you guys
May God continue to bless your family and Aimee as she begins a new voyage towards obtaining her Masters Degree and setting a remarkable example of hope, faith, strength and love for life.
I just started reading your blog tonight, after seeing Aimee’s picture and hearing the great news that she was able to leave the hospital. You have an incredibly strong daughter, and it seems like she will take everything that has happened to her and put it to good use. I don’t doubt that her recovery will be hard, but from the stories and your blog posts, it seems that she is more than a fighter. God bless you and your family, and please know that there are so many people everywhere praying for you all. And I thought I’d let you know I commented on this post because I went to Wofford, and recognized the church you got married at 🙂
Amazing
In God’s hands
Magnificent
Endlessly amazing
Extraordinary
God Bless You Aimee!!! 🙂
“I first came to Prayer Force Church when I was in fourth grade and instantly welcomed. The people of Prayer Force Church are so loving and caring and are seriously like family to me. Some of the people I met when I first came are now my closest friends. The messages taught at Prayer Force Church are so relevant and they help me out so much! I am so blessed to attend Prayer Force Church!!! You can email if you need prayers via: Revanthony42@gmail.com
Phantom limb pain…awhile ago I seen on tv an experiment…A person with all their limbs was told to place their left arm on a table and then they placed an artificial arm on the right next to it…they would take a feather and tickle both the real arm and the fake arm and people was actually feeling the right arm as if it was their own…then they would take a hammer and hit the artificial hand and people would jump in pain…now if you was to try that in aimee’s case but only massage the fake limb instead it may actually stimulate or trick the the mind into thinking the limb was there relieving the pain…Good luck Aimee
please, when will the lawsuits begin…I will save my donations for the worthy, not some person who was stupid enough to climb on an unsecure, unsafe, zipline. Dumb is bumb is….
I have to agree with you that riding an unsecured zipline is very foolish. As a 53-year old man, I assure you that I would not even attempt such tomfoolery. However, I have not always had the wisdom that I now enjoy in life. During my younger years, I skirted through many dangerous situations unscathed, thanks to the grace of God. If you have lived life to the fullest, chances are you may recall your own close scrapes. Logic is not often a resounding condition of youth.
God bless you,
Andy