DAPHNE, Ala. — In 2009, Bob Hamlin’s birthday present came a day early.

“July 29. My birthday was the next day. July 29 she rolled her head over and looked at me, and I could see her eyes for the first time,” Bob said on a YouTube video chronicling his daughter Katie’s recovery from serious illness. ‘That was my birthday present.” Katie, Bob and Susie Hamlin’s only child, 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. 

But Katie waking up at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham didn’t mean her recovery would be smooth sailing. She had a stroke that affected the memory retention part of her brain.

Though back in class, and attending Daphne High School—she works with homebound teachers and a speech pathologist—the 16-year-old has long-term, short-term and working memory loss.

“I just can’t remember anything and it drives me insane sometimes,” Katie said. “I can’t stand it.”

When her mother asked if Katie remembered who came over for dinner on Sunday, Katie guessed wrong twice. But with a bit of probing and hints, Katie eventually answered correctly.

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

Have an idea for our next series? Leave a message on our tip line, 626-9300, or e-mail us: Bulletin@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

See the rest of this story in the Sept. 10 Daphne Bulletin—on stands through Sept. 14—and available at the Daphne Bulletin-Spanish Fort Sun office, 1805 Main St., Daphne.