In the early morning hours of June 10, 2006, our beautiful Angel shed her confining body with a smile.  Though we will miss her horribly, we know that she will never truly leave us.

She is beautiful, dancing, flying and singing loudly and off-key.... But she thinks it's funny and doesn't mind... Because she can sing and loves her own voice in spite of the off-key.

Enjoy your freedom, Samantha!

If you would like to help Samantha's family with expenses at this time, please make a donation using the information below.

Thank you for wanting to know more about me and help me to continue to live. 

My name is Samantha.  I have been critically ill for many years with asthma, recurrent pneumonia, and other respiratory problems.  I usually have pneumonia at least once a month. 

I need frequent breathing treatments because I can't get enough oxygen, then I am hung off this special table to drain fluid from my lungs.  I stay in this position for at least an hour at a time.  I have to do this at least 4 times daily, often more. 

It is very scary not to be able to breathe.

I also have gallstones and have attacks of gallbladder and pancreas infections.  I cannot have surgery because I would probably not survive the surgery.  My lungs are not healthy enough for me to be put to sleep.  These gallbladder and pancreas attacks are extremely painful and my Nurses have to give me Demerol injections to ease the pain.

I am on oxygen continuously.  I am fed through a tube in my stomach.  I have seizures.  I am legally blind.  I have cerebral palsy.  I have a shunt in my head to drain fluid.  I am profoundly retarded and have many other problems.

Because I am 21 in February, 2005, I am no longer eligible to receive this nursing care. 

Even though Medicaid approved me for 20 hours daily of nursing care less than one week before my birthday, they are reducing my nursing care to 8 hours daily on my birthday. 

Because of my age, I can't have this essential care any more. 

My Mother is Disabled and Unable to Care For Me

  All the years of taking care of me by herself has taken a toll on my Mother's body and she just isn't able to do care for me any more. 

My Father no longer lives with us and seldom visits.  My extended family doesn't help out either. 

I need more Nursing care to continue to live and to be able to stay in my home.  I want to continue to live at home where I get lots of attention and love from my Mother and Brother.

Samantha's 21st birthday party.

Most children who are as sick as Samantha do not live to be 21

My name is Claudia McNeely.  Samantha has created a miracle and survived because of the loving care she has received during her life. 

Samantha is a very special person and has touched many lives in her time on this earth.  Since Samantha is still alive, against all odds, I feel that God has many more lives for her to touch. 

No Parent Should be Forced to Make a Choice Like That

There is no way Samantha can receive the care that she needs in an Institution or Nursing Home.  If the nurse is down the hall and Samantha chokes, she would be dead before the nurse could get to her. 

I feel in my heart that Samantha would not live a week in a State Institution or Nursing Home.  I could not live with that guilt.  I cannot and will not condemn her to this extreme discomfort or even death.

The Minimum Cost of Samantha's Vital Care is $200.00 a Day

This means we have to cover these expenses.  As Medicaid continues to make cuts in their program, this cost will increase. 

Or mail your donation to:

Samantha's Medical Fund
PO Box 1257
Gilmer, Texas  75644

As our Way of Saying Thank You

Email for further information.