Community Hero 2007
Samuel Sparks
“Sammi’s” parents call him the miracle baby. Born 11 weeks early with his twin sister, Sydney, this tiny hero weighed only three pounds and one ounce, and reached just 15 inches in length. Both babies suffered from cerebral atrophy at birth. Three weeks later, Samuel and Sydney contracted what was speculated to be a severe virus. Heartbreakingly, this unknown illness would claim Sydney’s life. Samuel’s parents were told it was unlikely that he would survive either – for he had developed sepsis and multi-organ failure.
But Samuel held on despite the overwhelming odds. Today he has no residual effects from the unknown virus he contracted. Although he still suffers from slight cerebral atrophy and some neurological damage that makes his leg shake, Samuel continues to progress by the day and will turn one year old this year.
He loves being hugged, kissed and held. Samuel’s bottle is very important to him, says his mother Tisha. He likes going for walks with his mother and father, and is crazy about Charlie and Dunkin, the family dogs.
“Sam has always been a fighter. I am so proud to be his mother. He is the love of our lives,” says Tisha. Samuel proves that even the tiniest among us can be the most courageous heroes of all.
