Amanda Critchlaw - Winter 2005

My name is Amanda Critchlaw. I am 18 years old and live in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. When I was three years old I was diagnosed with Crouzon’s Syndrome. Growing up was not always easy, but I had the help of my family and friends. My dad was my biggest help because he has Crouzon’s Syndrome, too.

I’ve been teased and  made fun of all through school. Luckily, I had an older brother and wonderful friends who were always there to stick up for me. When I was in fourth grade, my dad gave me advice I will never forget and still use today. He told  me that when someone makes fun of you, to simply smile and say thank you. People never know how to respond. Most important, it shows them that they cannot hurt you.

I’ve also learned that you can’t be mad at people for what they say; most of the time they don’t know any better. When people ask me what is wrong with my eyes, I tell them about my disorder and surgeries.

I’ve had people tell me they will never make fun of another person again, some tell me I’m an amazing person and others ask me how I can still smile with all I have been through. I tell them my disorder helped me grow to be a better person and also helped me decide what I want to be when I grow up.

Through my surgeries and hospital stays, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Three years ago, after my last surgery, I had an amazing nurse who inspired me to be a pediatric ICU nurse. Currently, I attend Mount Saint Mary College, where I’m in their nursing program. I will graduate with my BSN, and then I plan to go for my Master’s degree in pediatrics.

I want to be a nurse because I want to help children. I know how boring it is to be stuck in a hospital bed, but I also know how scary it can be. My nurse played games with me, got me McDonald’s and also brought her own shampoo so I could wash my hair. I would like to be like her when I become a nurse and I only hope I can do as good a job making kids feel comfortable.

I have been in involved with CCA since I was three. My family and I have been to every retreat except one. CCA has been an important influence in my life. I grew up knowing there were kids like me. I’ve made many lifelong friends, and every year I make a couple more. I’ve also met the most amazing kids at the retreats. They are also why I want to be a nurse. CCA has helped me greatly growing up. I know that without them, I would not be the person I am today.

My family, friends and everyone at CCA helped me realize that I can do anything. I have never let people bring me down or hold me back. Growing up I did many activities like dance, softball and basketball. In high school I was also a cheerleader.

I know I wouldn’t have ever done any of these things had I not had so many positive influences in my life. I’ve learned that no matter what people say, it’s my life and I want the most out of it.

I’d like to leave you with my favorite quote by Mother Teresa. These words have helped me through so much, and my hope is that they will help you, too. “I know God wouldn’t give me anything I can’t handle, I just wish he didn’t  trust me so much.”

If you would like to share your story with CCA, please send an email to Annie Reeves at areeves@ccakids.com. If your story is chosen, with your permission, we will edit and publish it in the CCA newsletter, on the Web site or use it for public awareness programs. Not all stories will be selected.

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