Special Message From Samantha’s House President

Posted by Wayne W on March 5, 2014 in General Update, News

As Samantha’s House enters its 9th year of improving the living conditions for Indiana residents suffering from life-altering disabilities, it’s important we continue challenging the foundation’s original mission, strengthen our reach, and further enable those in need.

In that spirit, I want to announce the possibility of an incredibly exciting addition to the Samantha’s House Foundation which will take the form of fully-customized vehicles that are wheelchair accessible and operational.

We are currently in the planning stages of making this offering a reality and I hope to have regular updates as we continue making progress toward our goal.

I remain inspired by the boundless energy and commitment our volunteers and community leaders put forth whenever called upon. And there is no question my sentiments are shared by the individuals in Indiana whose lives have been forever improved by your kindness.
On the verge of this latest announcement, I also thought it appropriate to take a moment and take a look back at our roots and past achievements:

Our community-wide effort started when little Samantha Allen became a quadriplegic. She is now confined to a wheelchair and is ventilator dependant for the rest of her life. She requires 24-hour medical care and a home that meets her significant medical and daily living needs.

With help from our community the Samantha House Foundation built the Allen family a new customized home which now meets Samantha’s extensive medical needs.

• The Samantha House Foundation followed up in 2006 by building a fully customized home for Nicole Richards, a young lady who was paralyzed from the chest down due to an automobile accident. This house gave Nicole the capability to move freely around her home, giving her independence previously not possible.

• In early 2008, the Samantha’s House Foundation hammered the last nail on its 3rd home for Gabby Hanlon and her family. Gabby suffers from Mitochondrial disease–she too is confined to a wheelchair. Her new customized home allows for easy wheelchair access throughout and is equipped with a lift system to take her from her bed to her bathroom.

• Next, Samantha’s House Foundation cut the ribbon on its 4th home for Anthony Long and his family. Anthony suffers from Cerebral Palsy and has brain damage. This home, like the three previous, will allow easy wheelchair access throughout and is equipped with a lift system to take Anthony from his bed to his bathroom.

• In January of 2013, Jackson Miller and his mother Amy became proud owners of a fully-customized home that will allow Jackson to grow up in an environment that will better cater to his individual needs and allow him to navigate from room to room without worry of being restricted due to space.

As always, I wish to close by extending my unqualified gratitude to each volunteer, board member, and professional organization for their contributions, selflessness, and ongoing dedication to Samantha’s House.

Warm regards,

Jim Keller

Tags: news