Samantha Smith

Patient Leader

I'm a patient advocate, certified health and wellness coach, crisis counselor, 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.