Samantha's Voice

09/15/2025

Growing up surfing…

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOoh0ruAcoi/?igsh=MWlsbWdlenMybTBoaw==

07/21/2025

From my mom:

Sam went to Embrace Camp last week! She made it 3 out of 5 days — and that’s a big win for Sam, and I’m proud of her.

Her sleep patterns are irregular, so we don’t get much rest around here. That often means we miss out on activities and events — not because we want to, but because we simply have to. It’s one of the many ways disability shapes our days.

Another challenge is helping Sam understand what’s happening and where she’s going. Because she is deaf and has significant intellectual and developmental delays, I can’t just tell her she’s going to camp. I use ASL and familiar objects to communicate “car ride” and “camp.” I also have to give her extra time to process everything.

I did this every day last week — repeating routines, using cues, offering reassurance. It wasn’t easy… but I never give up on Sam.

I knew she’d have fun. Ms. Abbie — her former Adapted PE teacher and Special Olympics swim team coach — was the camp director. There are very few people I trust with my nonverbal girl… and the amazing Abbie is one of them. 💛

I’m so grateful for Abbie, Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, the Sandlin Family, and every single volunteer who made Embrace Camp possible.

Programs like this are incredibly rare — especially for young adults like Sam who require more hands-on support. Most day programs only accept individuals who are more independent, which is frustrating, disheartening and deeply limiting for families like ours. Embrace Camp opened its doors to Sam and made her feel welcome, included, and safe.

Sam loved the bowling, music and parachute activities. She also had the best time with her camp buddies. Sam can’t tell me that with words, but I know it in my heart — from the way her face lit up when we arrived, to the peaceful way she rested after those big days of activity and fun.

Sam needs this kind of joy and connection not just for one week in summer — but throughout the year and I’m already trying to work out a plan to help make it happen.

To everyone who helped make this possible: thank you for embracing Sam with open arms. Your kindness made all the difference. 🩷

10/12/2024

Join Me In Supporting The Colin Farrell Foundation.

09/10/2024

Thank you, Paige Siemers, for encouraging me to do this for Sam. I was hesitant but then you reminded me that “the world has made the stuff for our kids so damn expensive.” Well stated. 🩷

Chariot for Sam

06/30/2024

Tonight I got to watch the Sabercats with MLR player .akina It was a fun and exciting game! I ate popcorn and hopped around. We also watched fireworks after the match and even met former Houston Dynamo player, Brian Ching. Thank you .akina for a great night! ♥️🤙🏼🏉

04/14/2024

Lots of fun watching the Houston SaberCats Rugby match tonight! My favorite part was being able to go onto the pitch to meet the players! 🖤💛

03/08/2024

This morning my mom and I stopped by the EOB to see Ms. Suzette. My friends were excited and they came out to see me too! ♥️

12/26/2023

12/18/2023

Ice skating with friends and then a walk to Shake Shack! ♥️😊

10/29/2023

Today I went to the Volunteers of America IDD Program Fall Festival. This is the program that provides my Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities services. I saw Ms. Alayne and Ms. Beanca. Ms. Alayne is the first person my mom met with when I finally qualified for DBMD services at age 13. Ms. Beanca is the Regional Director of VOA. 🩷I had a fun time eating BBQ from Pappa’s, cake and other treats! I also played bingo and won a gift card, and then my mom helped me dance with the rest of the group. Everyone was happy and we all had a good day! 🎃♥️