Samantha Smith

Patient Leader

I'm a patient advocate, certified health and wellness coach, crisis counselor, consumer marketing advocate with ThriveRX and VP at G-PACT non profit. Being sick has broken me many times, but has also allowed me to put myself back together stronger. I’ve been through the darkness and despair that being sick can put you in. Over the years, the chronic illness community helped me during the rough patches. I have the opportunity now to give back, and that’s exactly what I aim to do. Illness has taken a lot from my life. Many days I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get out of bed. Now, with the help of my doctors, luck, and a lot of perseverance, I’m training to run a half marathon later this year. I’m proof that while illness can take from your life, it won’t take everything if you have the grit, support, and doctors to help you along the way. Using my voice to speak up on the issues that matter, the issues that affect all of us, and sharing my personal story has allowed me to make a difference in our community. Right now, that difference may be small, but I will continue to work until that difference has been made. Being an advocate has allowed me to find strength in vulnerability, and show the world that while I may be rare, I sure as hell can roar.

Location

Windham, NY

Nominations

Finalist

I have known Sam since I was 4 and she has overcome every obstacle that she has ever faced not only with her illnesses but with every day life, with her heart on her sleeve. She speaks about the things that shes gone through with a passion for life that I've never known. She is constantly advocating for more awareness for diseases that aren't known. — Shannon

Joining G-PACT.org Samantha expanded the outreach to the community considerably. She also runs her own blog and writes for other non profits. — Jim

She never gives up no matter the challenges she faces. When things become impossible she still perseveres and conquers it. She has a smile that lights up a room. She cares for others in the midst of her own challenges. She really cares and gives her all to whatever she does. — Nancy

Samantha has a passion to help others fight and never give up. She is inspiring with her drive to keep moving forward in spite of all the challenges. Samantha continues to run after surgeries that could have debilitated her. She has advocated for herself and others for change. She will be the new president of G-PACT (non-profit) in October. — Carissa