SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — After spending more than two months in the hospital, 17-year-old Amani Smith-McDaniel is finally home .

"It feels really good. I have a good support group all around me," Amani said Friday as she was released from UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. "After two and a half months and a few days, I'm finally free."

For this Shaker Heights High School senior, the word "free" carries extraordinary weight. What began as stomach pain at cheerleading camp this summer turned into a life-threatening medical emergency that resulted in the amputation of her left leg.

A SURREAL HOMECOMING

For Amani's parents, Nicole and Arthur McDaniel, Friday's release was a moment they had been anticipating.

"We knew the day was coming, but to see her be able to come

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