Sam had been a Bella's Buddy previously and has now come back on board as a Buddy again.

When Sam was born, she was taken to the NICU because her lungs were not developed enough. Due to family history, there was a 50% possibility that she had Surfactant C protein Deficiency, a very rare genetic lung disease.

Sam was misdiagnosed several times, and the family was even told her life expectancy was less than 3 years. 

When the results finally came in there were positive for Surfactant C deficiency and as hard as it was, it gave her parents hope. 

Sam is now followed by a lung specialist in Colorado. This specialist is doing research on treatment options for the specific gene mutation that affects Sam’s lungs. 

Sam has shown what courage and determination are all about.  She is a bright determined teenager who uses reading, listening to music and dancing as her coping mechanisms. 

Samantha has taught us about love, courage, patience and hope, her smile brightens our lives.