DAPHNE, Ala. — Katie Hamlin smiles one Thursday afternoon as she exits Daphne High School’s front doors and waits for Mom to pick her up.

Looking at the 16-year-old walking steadily toward the parking lot, toting a bag full of text books with a water bottle peeking from a side pouch, you might not know this seemingly carefree teen is particularly happy to be alive.

Katie was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome more than a year ago and was on life support when her lungs couldn’t produce enough oxygen and her heart failed. She had a stroke that ultimately caused long-term, short-term and working memory loss. Those mental spaces and her physical recovery are the two biggest obstacles placed before Katie as she returns to school.

Editor’s Note: You’re reading the second of a five-part feature on Daphne resident Katie Hamlin’s life after what many have called a miraculous recovery from acute respiratory distress syndrome. 

The driven 16-year-old is starting a new school year at Daphne High School.

See the rest of this story in the Sept. 1 Daphne Bulletin.