Ava McDonnell 
At 18 years old, Amanda Perla Jereczek’s life changed in an instant. A car accident left her paralyzed from the chest down, forcing her to navigate a future she never expected. But what could have been a story defined by limitation became one defined by resilience, purpose, and unwavering determination.
Now 37, Amanda lives in Longwood, Florida with her husband, Matt, and their three-month-old daughter, Scottie Elizabeth. She is the co-founder of NextStep Orlando Paralysis Recovery Center, where she works in client services and social media, continuing to pour into a community she understands deeply. Through it all, Amanda has built a life rooted in meaning and connection, something her mother, Liza, has witnessed every step of the way.
“Amanda is a strong, hardworking, and level-headed person who approaches life with a steady sense of responsibility and care,” said Liza. “Those qualities naturally carry over into her role as a mother… She is attentive, patient, and deeply committed to providing a loving and stable environment.”
Amanda’s journey hasn’t been easy. Beyond the physical challenges of life as a quadriplegic, she has faced emotional hurdles that tested her strength time and time again. One of the most significant was her path to motherhood. Because pregnancy posed serious risks, Amanda and Matt turned to surrogacy, holding onto hope through years of uncertainty.
Their first surrogate journey lasted four years and ultimately ended without success. Of course, the emotional toll was heavy, but Amanda never lost sight of her dream.
“She has shown that resilience isn’t about having perfect days but about continuing to show up with courage and compassion to dispute the challenges,” said Liza.
That resilience carried them through until something extraordinary happened: Amanda’s cousin offered to be their surrogate. What followed was a renewed sense of hope, strengthened by love and family. After a successful embryo transfer in Orlando, their surrogate returned to California and, just a week later, announced that she was pregnant.
In January 2026, Amanda and Matt flew to California to meet their daughter for the very first time.
“The moment that has stayed with me the most is seeing the look on Amanda’s face when the doctors placed baby Scottie on her chest,” said Liza. “It represented everything she and Matt had been through–the challenges and the unwavering hope that carried them forward.”
Amanda’s impact, however, extends far beyond her own family. Since co-founding NextStep Orlando in 2009, she has transformed her personal experience into advocacy, helping others living with paralysis find strength, independence, and community. As a disability influencer and community leader, she continues to raise awareness and create more inclusive spaces for others.
“What stands out most is her mindset,” Liza said. “She has taken what could have been a hopeless situation and transformed it into a meaningful and purpose-driven life.”
At her core, Amanda lives by a powerful belief: “They told us to accept what we couldn’t change; instead, we changed what we couldn’t accept.”
A message to my daughter, from Liza: “Amanda, I hope you know just how deeply you are loved and admired by so many. Your strength and bravery are evident in everything you do, but what truly sets you apart is your resilience, your compassion, and the way you continue to show up for others—even in the face of your own challenges. As a mother, you are creating a life filled with love, stability, and purpose for Scottie, and that impact reaches far beyond your own family. You inspire the people around you in ways you may not always see, and your journey has been a powerful reminder of what it means to persevere with grace and heart. This Mother’s Day, I hope you feel just how valued and appreciated you are—not only for what you’ve overcome, but for the incredible person and mother you are every single day.”
This Mother’s Day, Amanda’s story is a reminder that motherhood is not defined by a single path. It is shaped by love and by the courage to keep going even when the road is uncertain.
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