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Amanda UsherIn this exclusive fitness shoot, we honor a remarkable journey that embodies not only physical strength but extraordinary resilience in the face of Amanda Usher%u2019s life challenges. At 41, Amanda stands as a testament to unwavering determination, a proud mother of two, and a cancer survivor who has transformed adversity into empowerment.As a 911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Amanda navigates crises daily, driven by an unyielding commitment to helping others. Her career is a reflection of her dedication to service, even as she has faced significant personal trauma and loss. Through these experiences, she has discovered a profound passion for fitness and activism, which have become her pillars of strength.Amanda%u2019s story is one of triumph over adversity, showcasing how she has channeled her trials into a relentless pursuit of health and vitality. These photos are not just images but a powerful testament to the power of perseverance, capturing the essence of a woman who has continuouslypushed forward to achieve a healthier, stronger self.Q: What inspired you to become a 911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher?I have always been driven by a deep desire to utilize my strengths and abilities to make a positive impact on people%u2019s lives. As a child, I experienced my fair share of hospital visits, ambulance rides, and health scares due to being extremely accident-prone. Throughout these experiences, I developed a profound appreciation for the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to help others in their time of need. Their unwavering commitment inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to making a difference in people%u2019s lives.Q: Can you describe a particularly memorable or challenging call you%u2019ve handled?I appreciate your use of the words %u201cmemorable or challenging.%u201d Many people often ask about the worst call I%u2019ve ever had, but I want to caution against this and take the opportunity to explain why it%u2019s not always the best question to ask an emergency responder or 911 dispatcher. Reliving tragic and traumatic events can be incredibly difficult, and many memories are too painful to reminisce about. Instead, I find the most memorable calls to be the %u201cgood news%u201d stories, like a successful birth of a healthy baby over the phone or being able to provide comfort, reassurance and life-saving instructions to those who are often times calling 911 on the worst day of their life.The constant challenges of working in a stressful and emergency environment have driven me to advocate for workers%u2019 rights. These challenges have fueled my activism for better working conditions, addressing workload issues, improved mental health supports and significant wage increases. I am currently coming off of a significant and memorable win. In my additional and elected roles as a union leader and activist, we won almost an additional $10 per hour wage increase for our Ambulance Communication Officers and Emergency Medical Dispatchers in Ontario, Canada.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 49 83