Community support growing for Shaker Heights cheerleader, now leg amputee
'She is doing awesome — way above the doctors, the nurses, anything in the medical book. She has surpassed it,' her mom Nicole McDaniel said.
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What began as a routine day at cheerleading camp last month turned into a medical crisis. Amani complained of stomach pain and within hours she was rushed into emergency surgery.
Doctors discovered a ruptured abdominal cyst. An infection led to sepsis, a potentially fatal condition.
Then, the unthinkable. As her parents explained from her hospital room last week: 'An artery was unfortunately nicked during the first surgery and there was no blood flow to her left leg for hours.'
Her dad, Arthur McDaniel, said, 'Because she got no blood flow to that left leg, the muscles died, which would release a poison into her blood stream, which would make her fight even more with difficulty or she was not going to make it.'
Sadly, Amani's left leg was amputated at the waist.
Since then, her road to recovery at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital has been long and emotional. Her story has captured the attention of many, especially in her hometown.
'It's a tight-knit group. Once you go through Shaker and once you have that experience, I think that you're really in it and together forever.'
Keren Johnson, a wife and mother of three, was a stranger who became a family supporter and friend. With the family needing major support, including help with medical bills, transportation and even housing, Johnson said she's been on a mission. She expects to help with housing and transportation once Amani is released.
'They live in a traditional, multi-family style home on the second and third floor, and I was like, 'well, that's a problem,' because when she gets out of the hospital, how is she gonna get up and down the stairs?' Johnson said. 'There are car dealerships around, there are places that could potentially donate a sprinter van.'
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Donations have poured in since a GoFundMe was established just days ago. It's a reflection of how deeply Amani's story is resonating — not just in Shaker Heights, but far beyond.
'Overwhelming, but in a very good way,' Nicole said. 'But it goes to show people really do have a heart and to see Amani from a month ago. She's a miracle.'
Amani is expected to remain hospitalized at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital until current stomach issues are resolved.
She will then head to rehabilitation, but her family is praying she will be able to return to school for her senior year at Shaker Heights High School — and dancing and cheering again.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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