Meet Our Champions

At 14, Samantha was an active teen playing volleyball when sudden abdominal pain led to her admission to Phoenix Children’s. After three procedures, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. When medications failed, she required four blood transfusions and a total colectomy. Post-surgery, Samantha became critically ill with breathing problems and skin lesions, and was diagnosed with Sweet Syndrome, an autoimmune disease. The adjustment to her new reality was overwhelming. With therapy, compassionate nurses, and the support of Phoenix Children’s Child Life Zone, Samantha began to progress. She found comfort in music, crafts, and time with Gertie, a gentle therapy dog who helped her regain her strength. Now 17, Samantha reflects on philanthropy’s role in her journey: “Donors bring normalcy back to kids like me. They give us hope and joy when illness takes so much away.”