I first met Amanda (more affectionately known as 'Panda') in middle school. She had just moved here from California and was quickly welcomed into our student body. We shared a study hall with her cousin, who I've practically known since birth. The three of us would spend the class period chatting about life and school and trying to stifle our laughter (we were supposed to be studying after all). Over the years, Amanda became an energetic and enthusiastic presence in our class. We attended school dances and tailgate parties together with our other classmates and friends.

Although we did not keep in touch after graduation, I loved watching her family grow via social media. Her wedding and the birth of her children. I remember when one of her children was born (I think it was her daughter) she announced the birth and seemingly straight away took off for a beach vacation with the rest of her family like some kind of Super Woman (I could barely get off the couch after having my kids). One post that particularly touched me was the announcement of her surrogacy journey in 2021. She recounts the long and heartbreaking journey of IVF and finally becoming pregnant and delivering a sweet baby girl to a loving family. Tears come to my eyes even now. There is no doubt that her surrogacy journey made her an even better labor and delivery nurse, able to empathize, empower, and relate to her patients in a whole new way. 

 

When I heard the news of Amanda's passing, I couldn't believe it. To be honest, it rocked me. I couldn't wrap my head around how something like this could even happen. She's so young and vibrant. She's a mom of young kids. How would life go on as "normal" when this family was just ripped apart at the seams? What about her husband who is now a widowed father and fighting for his life in a hospital hours from home? What about his emotional pain and grief? I still have these questions without answers but somehow this family continues to push forward. And for me, someone who did not keep in touch or have a current relationship with Amanda, to feel these feelings and heartache so hard - I cannot even fathom what it is like for those who were close to her. 
 

When I think of the term “full of life”, I think of Amanda. I’m so thankful for our season of friendship. The laughter and stories we shared all those years ago. She was such a bright light, warm and kind, and so fun. And you only need to flip through social media to see the ways she's still showing up for friends and family in songs, books, and through their children (who knew so many pandas would reveal themselves to all of us).

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It's really overwhelming to see how the entire community/county has rallied around the Hoffert family to do whatever they can to help and support them. CV Alumni, her fellow nurses, local businesses - Amanda and her family touched the lives of SO MANY PEOPLE. Stories of her kindness and warmth continue to be shared by the community who loved her so very much still to this day. It’s a true testament to the type of people the Hofferts are. Salt of the Earth. To know them is to love them. 

 

The Hofferts will need more and more support in the coming months and even years as we continue to pray for Bret's recovery, their children, their families, friends, and colleagues. See how you can help in the messages below.