Making Memories for the McKnight Family

“One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” ~Paolo Coelho

If you know Amy, you know she has poured her whole heart into her family, her friends and her career. She’s been married to Brian for 23 years. She’s the best mom to Erin, Anna and Adam and their biggest supporter and cheerleader. In addition, Amy has touched the lives of countless kids and their families working as an elementary school teacher for 20 years at Oak Creek School District.

Amy’s presence lights up a room. She is genuine, kind and thoughtful. Her sense of humor and infectious smile make her approachable and easy to relate to. Being around her is good for a person’s soul.

As most of you know, this fiercely independent person was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS and has since lost her voice completely . This diagnosis has changed the course of Amy’s life. She’s a fighter and remains hopeful; however, unfortunately the truth is that her ALS is progressing.

This page has been set up with Amy’s permission and input as her privacy and right to share her journey and experience is her own.

Despite her ALS diagnosis, Amy continues to find joy in each day. She is a caretaker by nature and has always put others before herself. Amy is one of the first people to step up when someone needs something, but accepting help or even asking for help is very difficult for her to do. It could be interpreted as weakness and in this situation, that simply is not the case because Amy is one of the strongest and most inspirational people I’ve met. The way she lived her life both before her diagnosis and after is a testament to her strength.

In speaking with Amy, we’ve talked about the army of people who will be there the minute she says she needs something. Instead of asking for help, we are referring to it as “finally letting people be nice to you”. It’s hard for Amy to say the time is now, but in reality, the time is now.

When you are faced with a diagnosis such as ALS, each moment is invaluable. As Amy’s ALS progresses, the ability to fulfill some of her bucket list items becomes more and more a top priority.

Please consider donating to this GoFundMe, as the money raised will go directly to the McKnight family to use for medical expenses and whatever they see fit to make memories and to fulfill adventures, both big and small.

While the bucket list is long, a top wish of Amy’s is a family vacation to somewhere sunny and warm such as Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean. Amy is happiest on the beach, surrounded by water and seashells.

In addition to any monetary donations, if someone has a timeshare, airline miles or any travel agent connections that may assist in reducing the cost of travel, please reach out to the organizer of this GoFundMe page. This will allow for Amy to cross even more items off her list!

Life is short and every day is a chance to create a memory and to love a little more. Let’s show Amy some love and help her get her toes in the sand!