Sammy was born August 18th, 2000. A healthy baby boy until he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of 9 months. His parents were told that he was a Type 1 which meant that he would most likely die before his second birthday. Today he is a boy full of life and smiles. He beat the odds and is now living his life in a power wheelchair. He is always very happy and positive, even though every little task is impossible for him to do on his own. He is dependant for all things we take for granted. Simple tasks like scratching an itch, sitting, turning in bed at night, even eating and drinking. He was hospitalized only once when he was 3 years old. He had caught a virus that was affecting his respiratory. It was touch and go for awhile but he survived. When he was 5 years old he got pneumonia but was treated at home.
In July 2010 yet the biggest of obstacles was before him. A surgery to correct the scoliosis in his spine. Without this operation Sammy’s ribs were crushing his lungs and he would no longer be able to breathe. Doctors were very worried he would not be able to survive the surgery but Sammy was full of surprises. He not only survived but recuperated in record time. He attends John Rene High school and will be graduating in 2017. He has a full time aid at school. Sammy continues to bring a smile to all the faces that meet him.