A 24-year-old West Georgia graduate student had to have her leg amputated after getting an infection following a zip line accident.
Aimee Copeland severely cut her left leg while zip-lining in a friend's backyard near Carrollton last week. She contracted a flesh-eating bacteria infection that forced doctors to amputate the leg.
Her father, Andy Copeland, said she was flown to Augusta's Joseph M. Still Burn Center. Her doctors say there have been encouraging signs. She began moving her arms for the first time on Tuesday and has reduced her reliance on the respirator considerably. She also reacted when he spoke to her on Wednesday.
Aimee was well-known in Carrollton. Her friends have put donation jars in several businesses and restaurants around town in hopes that people will write her a letter or donate some cash.
"Everybody knew her and she was always smiling. She always met you with a smile," said Samuel Arp, Aimee's friend.
Co-workers at the Sunnyside Café began raising money for Aimee after finding out about the infection.
"It just felt like...we got to do something. We didn't know what the goal was initially, but the money just started pouring in," said Kara Dermo, Aimee's friend.
Aimee's father said there is a tremendous need for blood, not just for Aimee but for the many patients. If you would like to help, they ask that you participate in a blood drive on May 15 at the University of West Georgia gym from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. They have also opened an account in her name at United Community Bank.
The South Gwinnett Rotary Club is also planning a drive.
Close friends say they know Aimee isn't out of the woods yet, but they have faith in the young woman with the bright smile and funny laugh.
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A 24-year-old West Georgia graduate student had to have her leg amputated after getting an infection following a zip line accident.
