Georgia Woman Aimee Copeland contracts flesh-eating bacteria after zip line accident

A 24-year-old West Georgia graduate student had to have her leg amputated after getting an infection following a zip line accident.

Aimee Copeland severely cut her left leg while zip-lining in a friend's backyard near Carrollton last week. She contracted a flesh-eating bacteria infection that forced doctors to amputate the leg.

Her father, Andy Copeland, said she was flown to Augusta's Joseph M. Still Bu Center. Her doctors say there have been encouraging signs. She began moving her arms for the first time on Tuesday and has reduced her reliance on the respirator considerably.

Aimee was well known in Carrollton, her friends have put donation jars in several businesses and restaurants around town in hopes that people will write her a letter or donate some cash.

"Everybody knew her and she was always smiling.  She always met you with a smile," said Samuel Arp, Aimee's friend.

Co-workers at the Sunnyside Café began raising money for Aimee after finding out about the infection

"It just felt like...we got to do something. We didn't know what the goal was initially, but the money just started pouring in," said Kara Dermo, Aimee's friend.

Aimee's friends say if you would like to help, they ask that you participate in a blood drive on May 15 at the University of West Georgia gym from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.  They have also opened an account in her name at United Community Bank.