Amanda's Story

Nov 27, 1996 – Oct 10, 2012

​Amanda was born on November 27, 1996.  On that particular year, Vancouver BC got dumped with SOOO much snow.

Amanda was also 10 days late in arriving so when the doctor said ‘GO FOR A WALK’, it was to be done carefully in the snow.

As Amanda grew up, snow captivated her.  I am not sure if that was because on the West Coast of BC, we usually don’t get that much of it.  Before every birthday, Amanda would watch the weather report to see what the weather was going to be like. There were a few birthdays up until her 15th that it did snow.

She clearly remembers when she was in middle school. There were about 8 girls here. It was her birthday. Then it snowed. Everyone wanted to go outside.  But of course, not enough snow gear. Oh well, we have other warm clothes and a dryer for later. She had never seen so much innocent fun and laughter. They had so much fun. It was dark out but the snow brightened up the night. Needless to say, the snow was the hit of the party. As was the hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows.

Fast forward to Amanda at 15, Carol started calling her daughter "Princess Snowflake"

Just to tease her at first, and the Princess was because she was a typical teenage girl who wanted everything when she saw it advertised or in the store. Snowflake because she was born in a snowy winter.

​And it’s IRONIC that on her last Christmas when we went out to buy our annual Christmas ornament together, she picked a purple snowflake. I remember her words as we hunted for the perfect ornament in the Christmas store. "I think we were in there for over an hour".

(Now, Christmas stores are close to impossible for me to enter without being emotional.)"
​-Carol Todd

Buy Snowflake Ornament

​So why did the name stick? Here's a conversation between Carol and Amanda...

Hello Amanda.
Amanda: Hi Mommy. Whatcha doing?
Carol: I’m at work Amanda. What are you doing?
Amanda:  Watching TV. Hey mom?
Carol: Yes Amanda.
Amanda: Why aren’t you answering your phone with ‘Hi Princess Snowflake like you used to?’
Carol: You like that?
Amanda: Yes please. I want you to call me Princess Snowflake.
Carol: Really??
Amanda: Yes MOM!! (exasperated)
Carol: OK. Love you Princess Snowflake. Mom has to finish work. See you at home!!
Amanda: Love you Mommy!"

So from then on, She called her daughter Princess Snowflake. It was hard to ever imagine that the snowflake and what she called Amanada would spread around the world and be symbolic of so many things that would bring about a sense of strength, awareness and caring.

Amanda's YouTube Video

Amanda created a video telling of her painful experiences in the hope of saving other youths such suffering. 

​Through Amanda's 8 minute You Tube video, Amanda has allowed others from all over the world to hear and watch her story online.  Her video has sparked discussions all over the world on topics related to bullying and cyberbullying, online exploitation, sextortion, internet safety and the issues surrounding mental health and wellness. 

LINK - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOHXGNx-E7E&feature=plcp​

​"This will hopefully break the barriers of silence and create more scenarios of support & hope"

View More of Amanda's Videos

A few FAQ's about Amanda

Q: How old was Amanda when she died by suicide? 
A: Amanda was only 15 years old

Q: What was Amanda's passions?
A: Singing, art, animals, doing kind acts for others

Q: What was Amanda's favourite colour?
A: Purple

Q. What did Amanda want others to do the most?
A: To be kind and caring to each other.

Please help to make Amanda's Legacy
one that helps and supports others!

Donate Today!

#Caringforothers #SayitwithSnowflakes