Lady Blu needs urgent surgery, and the costs are higher than expected. Please consider donating or sharing to help her get the care she deserves. Every bit counts for her recovery. https://t.co/YvuNUugNBN
Did you know - Mom sustained a brain injury and broke 23 bones 19 years ago? Unable to understand language, speak in public, sustain prolonged exposure to public interaction, or move without significant pain - she pursued a degree in neuroscience, with the help of a service dog so she could help others!
We were once living in a tiny apartment, blocked by snow and ice 3/4 of the year, overcoming barriers day, after day, after day. Living off of Social Security with $20 left in our bank account each month only if we were very careful. Studying and fighting an academic system to simply get an education all while learning to manage a newly acquired disability no one understood. Our dreams of earning a PhD were dashed by others limitations they placed on us.
Each step Mom took was forced, and painful and she would not quit! Every step was fraught with barriers, but she would not allow that to stop her. She decided that she would work hard and make sure no others had the same barriers - not physical, financial, or brought on them by powerful oversite committees, government, or systems - it wasn't about us, it was about what we could do to help others.
Through persistence, grit, determination, hard work, and insistence.....
We've succeeded in:
1. Earning a degree in Neuroscience
2. Starting our company Empower Ability Consulting to help others facing barriers
3. Started TWO 501(c)(3) non-profits that provide support and funding for people with disabilities and service dog handlers in need - no money is raised for our own needs, but only for others in need.
- Sampsons Legacy Foundation is officially formed and will be providing financial and philanthropic aid to many.
4. We changed the landscape and culture of science to be more inclusive.
5. We travel internationally to give presentations, develop policies and procedures, and conduct laboratory risks assessments.
6. We've written a book, INSISTENT, which will be available soon - 10% of all profit goes to Sampsons Legacy Foundation
7. We are working with several corporations and builders to create inclusive environments in academics and travel.
Our goal is giving to improve the well-being of others, for a variety of reasons, including a desire to make a positive impact, and the potential for building stronger communities.
@bunsenbernerbmd A lot of us Americans think T.rump is a first class, dangerous lunatic. I have cousins in Canada and I agree with you! Long live Canada!