When sophomore Allie Endo walks into Reliant Stadium on June 14, she won’t just be there to watch Germany versus Curacao in the FIFA World Cup. She will be there proving that she is stronger than she ever knew. She will be the physical evidence of the fight she had to live and the power of the prayers that surrounded her last May.
Last year before summer started Allie went through a tragedy that no one could have predicted. After a routine wisdom teeth removal surgery, Allie tested positive for flu B. The combination of these two things triggered myocarditis. She was placed on a ECMO, artificial life support that took over the functions of the heart and lungs, allowing her to rest and heal.
After months of getting to know her care team a friendship grew. Months later Allie found out that her care team at Texas Children’s Hospital nominated her to be FIFA World Cup flag bearer.
“It felt almost shocking being nominated by my care team.” sophomore Allie Endo said. “I still can’t believe that they really thought I’d be a good candidate.”
While being in the ICU Allie’s mom, family and care team were with her every step of the way making sure that Allie could have a speedy recovery and be able to go back home soon.
“We were absolutely blown away when the call came in saying Allie had been nominated by her care team and asking if she was interested,” mother Mandee Endo said. “Of course she said yes, and we are so excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Even though they all went through a tough time she never stopped doing what she loved, she came back to the band better than ever.
“At first Allie took many musical steps backwards, she could barely walk and definitely couldn’t play her instrument,” band director Joseph Dittfurth said. “Once she received her medical clearance to participate again, she worked really hard to regain lost ground and was able to hold on to her spot in the varsity ensemble and push further. She was even able to serve as a section leader during playoffs when many of our leadership members were gone for other events.”
Even though Allie was in the ICU last year, she came to school in August and gave it her all as if nothing had ever happened. She showed everyone that she never lost her spark.
“Allie is progressing forward as if nothing ever got in her way,” English teacher DeAnna Slovak said. “Allie is that kind of student that quietly listens, absorbs and internalizes instruction, and then turns around and elevates the thinking process of the whole class as she contributes to conversations.”
Allie and her family are beyond excited and thankful about this opportunity. Her care team has given their family the opportunity of endless memories.
“There are no words to fully express how grateful we are that God chose this group of people to be the ones caring for Allie.” Mandee said. “They stood by us during the most frightening time in our lives and never stopped fighting for Allie. Her care team didn’t just save her life, they changed our family’s life forever. We get to watch Allie grow, laugh and live this wonderful life.
Throughout campus Allie is described as a light, someone that is always ready to learn and be the best version of herself.
“Allie has been such an inspiration to my personal outlook on life, and she and I have never even spoken about it.” Slovak said. “She is a living example of how one should take negative experiences and turn them into something positive. If I could give any advice, it would be to keep shining. Take the past, and use it to light the journey ahead.”
