By Linda West- Conforti RN | The Founder
Sammy's Angel Wings
Sammy is a real medical miracle! Sammy is not my biological son. Yet, I know the deep piercing bond a son from my womb can bring. I love my Sammy just as profoundly! Sammy was born at 23 weeks at a fragile weight of 17 ounces when his birthmother's placenta burst due to an abortive cocktail she utilized to help end his life - which landed her in the hospital. When Sammy tested positive for methamphetamines and barbiturates, Sammy was taken into the custody of Children's Services. His mother's rights were suspended until she tested negative for the drug and attended parenting courses set forth by Sammy's social workers and the court.
His extreme prematurity meant his organs were underdeveloped enough to sustain his life. His lungs were so underdeveloped, and he couldn't take his first breath. His brain and nervous system were so undeveloped they couldn't remind him when he needed to breathe.
Sammy survived for the next 20 months in the hospital under the care of medical personnel. They utilized mechanical ventilation and IV drips while he fought his mother's drug addiction and his preterm birth. He rapidly produced hundreds of hemangiomas on the outside of his body and thousands more on the inside that impeded the natural function of all his organs. This condition subjected him to several years of chemotherapy. To the amazement of hospital staff, he endured seven painful abdominal surgeries and survived five long flat-line code resuscitations.
Sammy was continually pricked with needles. He was so troubled by this that he slept sitting up. Afraid to relax into dreamland, poised for his next onslaught of cold, painful medical procedures delivered by sterile hands and blue scrubs.
Against extraordinary odds, Sammy continued to fight for his life alone, without the emotional support of a nurturing mother. Finally, the severity of his illness, medical costs, and grim prognosis prompted doctors to request a "Do Not Resuscitate Form" to be signed by the appointed court judge. Thankfully, the judge refused, and Sammy continued using the hospital's personnel's heroic resuscitation efforts. Miraculously, and to the continued amazement of the nurses, therapists, and physicians charged with his care, he stabilized enough to be discharged from the hospital.
He was placed in a group home for medically fragile children, where he was able to bond with other children. Who were also fighting incredible fights of their own. Months later, after a long career in child care, the owner of the group home was set to retire. She was frightened that if Sammy ended up in the local institution he was slated for," he would wither away and die." She called me on Thanksgiving Day when she'd heard I was a veteran pediatric nurse and now certified as a medically fragile foster parent. Convinced Sammy wouldn't make it without a vital infusion of love and heartfelt dedication, she urged me to take him into my home. Several days later, he crossed the threshold of my doorway, infusing me with the wonder of his survival.
In less than three years, Sammy moved from indwelling catheters, feeding tubes, and numerous daily medications to tube and drug-free.
In 2007, my husband and I adopted Sammy. Securing his promising future and enriching our lives beyond the expectations we mulled over when we started this journey of safe-housing tender souls.
Sammy is a true blessing from God, besides needing corrective lenses, a high-caloric diet, and vitamin B12 injections. Sammy is a happy, healthy, and intelligent young gentleman; who understands an in-depth meeting of life, a divine knowledge far beyond most of us. He tells me (his Mama), "he has been on the other side so many times- he has come back with business cards from GOD."
To know Sammy is to love Sammy, and I eagerly await by his side to see what life has in store for this remarkable little Warrior. Currently, Sammy Has become a warrior for viable 24-week preemies who do not have a voice.
Learn More About Sammy's Bill
There are so many other angels in waiting, just like Sammy. We try to save all of our little "Angels In Waiting" through the hearts and hands of our dedicated nurses. Who have opened their homes to heal and love as many little ones as possible and help them move onto loving homes, or adopt them personally.
As a result of our ongoing endeavor of nurse recruitment and Angels In Waiting's determination to save as many little lives as possible through the hearts and hands of dedicated nurses, we are now 500+ nurses strong and growing. We could have not crossed the threshold without your support and donations.
We are greatly appreciative of your support together we have literally saved countless childhoods!
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