Sammy

Sammy was born January 25th, 2011. He was diagnosed with Digeorge Syndrome that caused him to have a congenital heart defect called “interrupted aortic arch”. He has had two open heart surgeries, the Norwood Sano February 9th, 2011 and a double ventricle repair “rastelli”(January 16th,2012). Unfortunately during the second Open heart surgery (Jan, 16th 2012) he suffered a stroke;The day that changed our lives forever. Sammy's second Open Heart Surgery day was here and it was time for mommy and daddy to give Sammy every bit of lovin' before they let the anesthesiology team take him into OR. Hours later, (( praying to the lord "please father help my baby, help these doctors mend my baby's heart" )) doctors-"Everything went well!!!" ((Thank you lord, Thank you for everything!!!)) next day he gets extubated (breathing tube comes out).

On the third day is where it all began.....these involuntary movements, he just couldn't stay still. And the worst part ever he didn't know who I was. "Its Mommy Sammy, please come back to me." Days went by with no answers until on his birthday (jan25th) an MRI was done. Doctors- "your son suffered a stroke and a part of his brain was damaged (globus pallidus), he will now have these movements (chorea) forever, he will not be able to do much for a very very long time because these movements will not let him." It's been years and let me say he has progressed a whole lot! These movements are now almost controlled and even if they put him up to a challenge he does NOT give up he keeps doing what he loves. We live life at its fullest, not taking anything or any moment for granted. We kiss and hug and say the “I love you’s” every single day!

This little boy here; always happy despite everything that has been thrown at him, he can be in so much pain and he’ll still manage to toughin’ it out! His laugh!  (He’s the life of our home). Nothing can stop him, what he wants HE GETS! He is determined! And my all time fav is him knowing who mom and dad are and I know for a fact that he can feel our love and dedication for him! It was a challenge but he overcame it like everything else. Throughout his life he was full of love, life and had so much will to live. Anything from an illness like a virus, common cold, or asthma flare ups could stop him from smiling. His laughter brought us so much joy. He lit up every room.  Sammy taught us how to not complain of the smallest things. He taught us how to not take life for granted. We cherished every single minute to the second with him.

Jan 15th 2021 Sammy was admitted due to him testing positive for adenovirus. We had numerous appointments that week for prior tests that had to be done to help his low immune system. Unlike any other virus this one got the best of him. We were there for 5 days and were discharged but within 24 hours he passed away. May 21st 2021 is a day that I will not ever forget, my Sammy gained his angel wings. This day is the worst day of my life. Sammy you gave mommy the best 10 years ever !!! You will live on forever and everyone will know how much of a fighter, soldier, warrior and champ that you are. I am soooo proud of you son! I promise that the world will know who HEART WARRIOR SAMMY is. There’s so many people from all over the world that are truly inspired by you. They have helped me in so many ways because of you. I am so so proud of you baby ! I can’t wait to see you and hold you and kiss you and never let go. One sweet day baby, one sweet day.