Just over a month ago, 15-year-old Amelia Wolfe was living the life of a typical teenager. What began as unexplained pain in her side quickly escalated, leaving her hospitalized and awaiting a liver transplant.
On July 22, Amelia was helping bale hay on the family farm. Less than 48 hours later, she began experiencing pain in her side and was admitted to Dayton Children’s Hospital. Within another 48 hours, she was transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where she remains today.
Amelia’s rare condition has required the attention of more than 20 specialists, who meet daily to discuss her treatment plan as her condition continues to change from one day to the next. Complications have further complicated the already difficult situation.
Amelia’s mother, Amanda Gambill Wolfe, works as a critical care CareFlight nurse and has found herself in a dual role: both mother and medical advocate for her daughter.
Just weeks before Amelia’s sudden illness, the family was focused on a new venture designed to make a difference in the lives of young people. Amelia, Amanda and Amelia’s grandmother, Margie Polhamus, started Farm Life 4 Youth a little over a year ago.
The weekly program brings inner-city youth to the family’s farm for enrichment experiences and hands-on exposure to farm life. The program grew from the family’s longtime connections to both mental health services and agriculture, bringing those two passions together in an effort to make a difference in the lives of local youth.
As a way to help fund their program, the family recently started a tanghulu stand to take to local fairs and festivals. Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese street food snack made of skewered fresh fruit coated in a crisp, glasslike sugar shell.
Their stand, Sugar Mama’s Candied Fruits and Sweet Treats, made its debut at the Troy Strawberry Festival and was scheduled to appear at the Great Darke County Fair. With Amelia hospitalized and Amanda and Margie remaining at her side, the family would not be able to make it to the fair.
But the stand would.
Family and friends stepped forward and made it possible.
What was originally intended as a fundraiser for Farm Life 4 Youth has taken on an entirely different purpose this week. The stand is now open at the Great Darke County Fair, with proceeds going to help offset Amelia’s medical expenses and the family’s loss of income while Amanda remains away from work.
Amelia’s aunt, Lora Mick, is leading the effort at the fair with the help of extended family and friends. Mick said running the stand has provided an opportunity not only to support the family financially, but also to share Amelia’s story. She talks to as many people as possible about Amelia’s journey, raising awareness while also raising funds for the family.
Mick described the support they have received as overwhelming and said the family is grateful for those who have donated, stopped to hear Amelia’s story and, perhaps most importantly, added the family to their prayers.
While friends and family have taken over the tanghulu stand, Amelia’s brothers have also stepped up to help carry responsibilities at home. Kohen, who recently graduated from high school, is helping keep the family’s two farms running, while Kamden, who is entering his sophomore year at Ohio Northern University, continues to support the family while managing the responsibilities of school.
As Amelia continues to battle her condition, her family members describe her as a social butterfly who loves volleyball, softball, horses, friends and family. Her aunt, Carean Johnston, described her strength throughout this ordeal, saying, “It’s been very inspiring to see her have so much strength and courage for herself and her mom.”
Just weeks ago, Amelia and her family were preparing to use the fair to raise money to enrich the lives of other young people. Now, friends, family and some of those same young people are gathering around their stand to help Amelia.
For Mick, one of the most emotional parts of the week has been watching local children respond to Amelia’s story.
Mick said a large group of children and teenagers has made the stand a daily stop during the fair. At the end of each day, she said, they gather whatever money they have left in their pockets and bring it to the stand.
Through tears, Mick said, “The youth of this county are amazing, and I thank each and every one of them.”
Those wishing to support Amelia and her family can visit her GoFundMe account.
