Hero Perseveres Through Traumatic Brain Injury and Devastating Loss

Sammie was playing outside in her backyard when a tree limb suddenly broke and hit her head, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. She was intubated, sedated, had multiple IVs, external injuries, as well as several complex skull fractures. Despite all odds, she persevered and was able to recover from the most extensive injuries. Sammie continues to work hard each day with physical, occupational and speech therapies to regain and relearn basic life skills that most take for granted. She worked on a new normal at inpatient rehab. She was very determined and humble with each milestone she reached in the hospital. Her family was going through so much stress, her dad was also fighting cancer. 

Sammie was nominated by her Child Life Specialist Courtney Unrau at Wesley Children’s Hospital. Kids Wish Network was so pleased to honor her as a Hero with a special gift package to brighten her days.  

Shortly after she was awarded Hero of the Month, Sammie sadly lost her dad to cancer.