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Giving back: author donates books to NICU in honor of care

When Amanda came into the world, her family wasn’t sure if she would survive. But thanks to the experts at Children’s Minnesota and Abbott Northwestern, both Amanda and her mom made it through despite a challenging birth. Today, Amanda’s mom, Susan, still tells the story of her birth on Amanda’s birthday every year. 

Amanda grew up to be creative and driven. She is now a published author with a mission of giving back – including to the patients and families at Children’s Minnesota.

Amanda’s NICU experience

Amanda was born via emergency C-section at The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern and Children’s Minnesota. The Mother Baby Center is a partnership between Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota. 

Both Amanda and her mom were in a dire situation, with a very real possibility that neither would survive. When Amanda was born, the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck twice and her face and body appeared blue. She was immediately given oxygen and rushed to Children’s Minnesota. 

Amanda Ferris as a baby

At Children’s Minnesota, Amanda was brought to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where her care team stabilized her. At the same time, her mom, Susan, was cared for at The Mother Baby Center helping her recover from an emergency birth. Once stable, Susan was able to see her baby for the first time. 

Amanda spent the next five days in the NICU getting the care she needed to grow healthy and strong. Both her and her mom were in good health on the fifth day, and they were able to go home!  

It was amazing to see Amanda and Susan go home so quickly after all the medical challenges they faced. “The doctor acknowledged this was a miracle,” said Amanda. 

Growing up and becoming an author 

While growing up, Amanda’s parents encouraged her to seize opportunities to use her creativity to express herself and help others. “With this steadfast influence in mind, I frequently entertained ideas in childhood (and since) about how to bring more fun and light wherever I go, and to leave each place better than I found it, so to speak,” said Amanda. 

Inspired by books she read from a young age, Amanda knew she wanted to be like the authors of books she loved. In high school she published some artwork and poems and didn’t go on to publish longer-form writing until she was in her late 20s. 

As of 2023, Amanda published her first children’s picture book! Now, she has authored more than eight books, ghostwritten and co-authored a variety of works, and much more. 

Her latest children’s book is, “Big, Bad Beeple Bumps,” in which Amanda helps parents and teachers discuss complex topics with kids through a story about bees and beekeeping. 

Even though Amanda was only days old when she spent time at Children’s Minnesota, she felt it left a significant imprint on her life and outlook. “I firmly believe I would not be the person I am today without this defining experience of care in my life, and I endeavor to pay it forward wherever and however I am able,” Amanda said. 

Giving back to Children’s Minnesota

Amanda is thankful for the kid experts at Children’s Minnesota for helping her when she was a newborn. In honor of that care, she is giving back by donating some of her books to our patient families. 

“Children’s Minnesota is amazing in so many ways, donating a few books is the least I can do in thanks to its impact on me personally and the countless families and communities it serves,” Amanda said.

Amanda Ferris as an adult

But that’s not all. Amanda also worked with Star Studio, the in-house TV show at Children’s Minnesota, on an episode for their show! 

Tales from the Book Cart

Tales from the Book Cart is a show produced by Star Studio with our child life team co-producing it. This is just one of many shows available for our patient families in the hospital to watch. On Tales from the Book cart, the teams invite local authors to read their books to our patients. 

Our Star Studio and child life teams invited Amanda to be on the show and she excitedly agreed! “I felt and feel incredibly honored for the opportunity to contribute something close to my heart and collaborate with such outstanding, kind, compassionate and talented professionals,” said Amanda about her experience on the show. 

Watch Amanda’s Tales from the Book Cart episode 

You can watch Amanda’s Tales from the Book Cart episode on YouTube here. 

Amanda shares her thanks to Children’s Minnesota, “I can feel thankful for Children’s Minnesota being on my life’s path and the opportunity to keep noticing caring people doing an exceptional job looking after our neighbors in their hour of need like they did in mine.” 

And in return, we thank you, Amanda, for giving back to Children’s Minnesota!

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