Aminah Jennifa Ahmed: UTA Student’s Death After Grad Walk Sparks GoFundMe Legacy Project
Last week, a UTA graduate passed away suddenly. Shortly after Aminah Jennifa Ahmed walked across the stage at the University of Texas at Arlington to receive two college diplomas, she fell ill. Days later, she died from a suspected brain aneurysm. Aminah’s death has bolstered support for a GoFundMe project to help millions of kids overseas to have vision — some for the first time.
Ahmed, 22, and her family gathered themselves together and headed to the campus for the graduation ceremony. It was supposed to be a time for reflection, celebration, and a look towards the future, citing a USA Today College report.
But in an instant, Aminah Ahmed’s family would hold vigil for the beloved college graduate. Next, they would mourn the death of the bright and giving woman. Her cousin, Shahina Ahmed, spoke about how surreal her passing is to her loved ones.
“We watched her walk, and I shouted at the top of my lungs for her.”
When her name was called, Aminah Jennifa Ahmed walked proudly to the stage to received her reward for years of hard work. The graduate was a dual major in biology and business. Shortly after the ceremony, Aminah complained about having a headache. Before leaving campus, she had a vomiting episode. On the ride home, she became nauseous again and vomited.
At home, according to her father, Shamsul Ahmed, his daughter lay down on the couch to take a nap. She ensured her family that she was probably experiencing the effects of stress from school and the graduation. Some time later, her dad looked in on her and noticed she was struggling to breathe.
Aminah was raced to a local hospital where her condition was listed as critical. Ahmed would remain on life-support for several days before her conditioned worsened. Just days after taking the walk across the university’s stage, the promising graduate was dead.
“There was zero symptoms, zero signs, zero everything [before graduation day,]. She said she had a headache and throwing up, and that’s it.”
Experts who have no relation to the woman suspect Aminah died from a brain aneurysm. According to WebMD, the condition Ahmed is thought to have suffered from often comes on suddenly and gives little advance warning. Some are caught during routine wellness checks.
“A brain (cerebral) aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain. In most cases, a brain aneurysm causes no symptoms and goes unnoticed. In rare cases, the brain aneurysm ruptures, releasing blood into the skull and causing a stroke.”
After Aminah’s death, her family celebrated her life of benevolence. Many close to her recalled how she would always consider the welfare of others. Moreover, her studies in biology and business were meant to prepare her to create a sustainable way to help millions of poor children in South Asia without sight — or who suffer from vision problems — to have the necessary medicines and surgeries.
The Bangladesh native’s family refocused their efforts on a fundraiser Ahmed Jennifa Ahmed created before she died. They renamed it “Aminah Sees” with a goal to raise $1 million. Over the past three days, over 1,000 people have pledged financial support to the project, which as raised $36,280. Over three weeks remain for funding.
[Photo via Twitter]
