‘I thought only one bad thing could happen to a person’ – Amy Zahra
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
At 21, Amy Zahra emerged from her battle with the deadly meningococcal septicaemia scarred. With her legs and fingertips amputated, the virus never robbed her of her will to walk again and live life to the full.
Three years on, the heavens tested her resilience and she was dealt a huge blow when she learnt she needed a kidney transplant. Despite this, Ariadne Massa finds nothing can dull her positive outlook on life.
Read the entire interview in today’s edition of The Sunday Times.
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Generoso seychell
Sep 1st 2009, 21:27
Great girl with great heart,and to add with great parents.
Amy Joan Zahra
Sep 1st 2009, 17:51
Ms Walters....I had the transplant operation done 7 months ago....my dad was the donor. Thank you all for the words of encouragement.
Christopher Debattista
Sep 1st 2009, 14:29
You're gorgeous inside and outside ! God bless you. You make any dull day seem a good day. I pity those who make fuss about silly things. May such people look at you and follow you as an example. This included me aswell :)
M Huber
Sep 1st 2009, 12:44
Dear Amy, although I have not had the opportunity to meet you, I greatly admire your strength and bravery - I've tried to come up with some truly inspirational words of glowing admiration but nothing comes to me other than the simplest words,......... Thank You for showing the true meaning of valour and courage
Marica Micallef
Sep 1st 2009, 11:43
Keep it up Amy! You're great! Life is a marathon. We just need to keep on plugging. Look at life in its face and say to yourself: " I've been through much worse than this. I can do it. You will never going to knock me down but I'm going to get up again."
Ruth Schembri
Sep 1st 2009, 11:09
No Words can describe you AMY!! You are a Hero!!....I Admire you, your courage and your strength!
U r 1 in a Million!!
KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!
Tania Walters
Sep 1st 2009, 05:39
Good on you Amy keep up the spirit. If there is any one in your family or friends circle who is contemplating donating a kidney to you, I strongly encourage them to do so. I donated a kidney to my cousin four years ago and it is one of the best things I have done in my life. The feeling you have when you see the recipient well again is beyond compare. I have no regrets and my health is excellent praise God. All the best Amy.
Jackie Dalli
Aug 31st 2009, 22:06
Dear Amy, I read your article yesterday and you brought tears to my eyes. Its always like that when I read something about you and only yesterday I learnt about your, yet again, other mishap. I simply admire every inch of you. You are simply amazing and I pray God for you and those around you to Bless you in every way. Amy keep up your beautiful smile cause you inspire us all. God Bless You Always x.
silvia debono
Aug 31st 2009, 18:20
Dear Amy you are an inspiration for every human being. Keep up your incredible spirit!
O. Formosa
Aug 31st 2009, 16:45
Amy, I lost a sister aged 15 to meningococcal septicaemia. Well done for your energy, your strength and for finding the will to look forward and move on. Life is one big learning curve...well done!
L Bonnici
Aug 31st 2009, 16:08
After watching your interview all my troubles seem so futile and small... Just want to wish you all the best for the next blow life has dealt you. You're such an inspiration... good luck and keep it up!
from a 21 year old
Daniel Scicluna
Aug 31st 2009, 16:08
Amy! You inspire me! I read your article yesterday and I believe that you really can change people's way of thinking. Your qualities are special.
Chrissey Zammit
Aug 31st 2009, 14:24
Dear Amy, You are such an inspiration to everyone, such a brave brave lady. My prayers are with you, for whatever you want in the future. Nothing is beyond you.
Amy Joan Zahra
Aug 31st 2009, 14:00
Thank you for the encouraging comments.
Jennifer Camilleri
Aug 31st 2009, 11:53
Dear Amy,
All I can tell you is God bless you and thank you for giving us all so much encouragement. What you said about the body being the building for the soul is so true and it strengthens my way of thinking especially when things are bad. I will pray for you and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
Best regards,
Jennifer.
Andrea Demarco
Aug 31st 2009, 10:54
Dear Amy,
After going through so much, seeing you smile makes me smile too. There is a strength in you, that has kept you going, never giving up. And the result is a reward to us all - a lesson in how to live life, how to face the ups and downs, and marvel at that which makes us all human, our strong will.
Sometimes I believe that life can be a role-play. Good and bad things happen all the time. When bad things happen, we all feel down about it, we all shed tears, and why not? But you have been exemplary in showing us how to appreciate the one fundumental value, that whenever something good happens, we all smile, we all rejoice, and we all find the courage to never let go.
Amy, you have become a true role model for many people, young and old. And for that, we can never thank you enough. However, let me say thank you, in the most humble way, for being a point of reference in my life as well.
Thank you, very much!
Yours sincerely and respectfully,
Andrea
Dorianne Mamo
Aug 31st 2009, 10:36
Jien ma nafekx personalment Amy, imma xtaqt nghidlek li kellu bzonn ikollna hafna aktar nies li jinspirawna kif tinspirana int bil-kuragg u t-tbissima sabiha li ghandek. God bless you!!
Dorianne
Tamara Micallef
Aug 31st 2009, 00:55
Amy... one my my closest and dearest friends. So many questions you have had to ask on this but yes you always have such a positive answer and I know that is what makes you an inspiration to so many people. If the world was full of people like you, it would be such a better place. You are my true hero and I wish I was more like you. I know people tell you this all the time but you deserve being told every second of the day .
God bless you , He is a man of great things and always keep Him close by.
Love you so much
Tamara
Marisa Bugeja
Aug 31st 2009, 00:20
You are you a blossom of Heaven on earth, to say such words. Somwtimes words are easier said than done, when one does not go through these hardship experiences. My father always thought me to look ahead and think positive, and believe me he has gone through a lot throughout his life. God and Virgin Mary bless you always, you are theirAngel on Earth
Brian Hansford
Aug 31st 2009, 00:17
Amy keep it up you are one very courageous girl , its hard to understand what is needed from us but your courage will help others through there hard times.
i would like to meet you in person to discuss further in organising a program to help others.
it is not you that should thank it is us that should thank you for teaching us how to live
L.Ciappara
Aug 30th 2009, 21:09
Amy you're really courageous. God bless you
Mario Mizzi
Aug 30th 2009, 20:09
Dear Amy, even tough I never met you, I can tell that you look for positive answers, even in the most negative situations. God Bless you, and remember you in my prayers.
Shirley Sammut
Aug 30th 2009, 17:33
Dearest Amy i do not know you personally but you have always been (& still are) a source of great positivity and courage for me - i had actually seen you passing by at the Tribu festival in your wheelchair & i had recognised you - my only thoughts at that moment were ones of huge admiration for your presence there with a huge smile on your face (while the rest of us were probably just moaning about the long queues at the bars ;-)).
Your interview in the paper was truly inspiring - may God bless you & keep you safe & may He continue to fill your life with more of the real joy you experience daily, which comes about from your ability to be positive and help others...keep well xxx
mariella cutajar
Aug 30th 2009, 14:45
Dear Amy, you are truly admirable. I have learnt a lot from you for which i thank you. You are a fighter. Keep up the spirit dear Amy. God Bless you
Teresa Pace
Aug 30th 2009, 13:56
Now I remember, my brother used to call you an angel....and you are indeed dear Amy
Ruby Jenner
Aug 30th 2009, 13:41
Amy, very best wishes for your future. With your fighting spirit you will make a big impact on whatever you choose to do. What an inspiration for all those suffering with this dreadful illness.
Teresa Pace
Aug 30th 2009, 13:27
Nasty situations brought out the beauty of your spirit. You are a beautiful person outside as well Amy...I met you a number of times and so can tell. People I meet say the same thing that you are a beatiful person externally. But this beauty is nothing compared to the beauty you have in your heart....your heart touches other...the beauty in your heart and in your spirit is what is pleasing to God and is what touches others and thus is the most important. My brother, an amputee, used to cry when you used to visit him and if I'm not mistaken used to call you princess as you touched his heart so much. Keep on going the way you are, the only way to look is up...to God...and you will touch so many others' hearts, you will continue bringing hope to others. God bless you Amy
Ronnie Gauci
Aug 30th 2009, 13:04
I started admiring Amy from the first time I learned about her story, she's a fighter.. You go girl!!
Pule' Carmel
Aug 30th 2009, 13:01
Well Amy, our Faculty misses you.
Amy Joan Zahra
Aug 30th 2009, 12:42
Thank you all for your encouraging comments :)
Jason Borg
Aug 30th 2009, 12:13
Truly admirable !!
Paul Barrett
Aug 30th 2009, 11:31
What a superb inspiration Amy is to all of us - it really puts things into perspective.
Matthew Galea
Aug 30th 2009, 11:22
i have known Amy personally a number of years now, and believe me...SHE IS REALLY AN INSPIRATION TO ALL!!!...
Alfred Grech
Aug 30th 2009, 10:54
Amy, you are an exceptionally sweet, courageous, mature human being. Keep up with your brave spirit. You're fighting a tough battle but you're winning. God bless you sweetheart.
Melvin G. Mallia
Aug 30th 2009, 10:42
Exceptional lady - You are great!!
CHIARA FELICE
Aug 30th 2009, 10:07
BRAVA AMY - AN EXAMPLE TO EVERYONE ....I love the comment ' our body is the building which shelters our spirit, but nothing can take our spirit away, if we do not let it go' VERU SODA U BRAVA !!!! YOU ARE AMAZING AMY, DON'T WORRY WITH A SPIRIT LIKE THAT NOTHING WILL BREAK YOU!!
Joe Antignolo
Aug 30th 2009, 10:03
Hi Amy. You are simply great! Your courage is surely an inspiration. All the very best for your future and is sincerely wish you all the success you greatly deserve.
Vincent Galea
Aug 30th 2009, 09:52
Amy , you are a beautiful first rate human being : )
Tanya Briffa
Aug 30th 2009, 09:51
Thank you Amy, your are truly inspirational!
Joseph Calleja
Aug 30th 2009, 09:47
Amy Zahra, you are one brave and c courageous young lady. You are an inspiration and a true trooper. I was watching Senator Ted Kennedy's funeral all day and I do believe that he would have been very proud of you because you never gave up. God bless, and hope, you get better and wish you every happiness. Don't ever lose your beautiful smile and wonderful attitude.
Amy Joan Zahra
Aug 30th 2009, 09:08
My nephrologist Dr. Emanuel Farrugia is another hero. Thank you for your great work and patience.
Thank you to Mr. Attard, Mr German and Dr. Farrugia.
Joseph Vassallo
Aug 30th 2009, 09:01
What a lovely young lady ! What a brave young lady ! What a beautiful spirit ! She is surely destined to achieve great things. Amy Zahra... may all your dreams and aspirations come true and may your God walk with you wherever you tread.
Michael Andrews
Aug 30th 2009, 08:55
Just goes to show us all that some of our "problems" are so trivial compared to other people.
Well done Amy for showing such a great attitude and good luck for the future.