A.S. Face 1555: Amanda Abernathy

A.S. Face 1555: Amanda Abernathy

My name is Amanda Abernathy and I have A.S.  I was diagnosed on my 30th birthday. My doctor saw the complete fusion of my S.I joints and my blood test came back positive for HLA-B27.  As disappointed as I was,  I made a promise that I would always ” stand tall” despite the pain. I challenge the disease in my own way by taking on as many ” adventures” as possible. The disease may take certain abilities from me  but I will not give it my desire to live life to the fullest. I have already achieved so much. I was an American Soldier and  I hiked the Appalachian Trail. Let me encourage the rest of you that suffer from this incurable disease, to wake up each day and try. Try for your family, friends, and  yourself.  Never stop trying to beat the odds stacked against you. ” The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step”. – Laozi

Stand Tall,
Amanda Abernathy
North Carolina, United States of America