What we do

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Team Sam founders Janelle and Bernie Martinez experienced life as parents of a medically fragile child, Sam. Parents who have children who are special needs or require invasive procedures and treatment are often intimidated by asking questions to medical professionals, or may not know what questions to ask. Even as a nurse Janelle recalls being scared and unsure of what to do when her son was in the hospital. Whether the family just has questions, needs someone to listen or needs someone to simply sit with them, Team Sam aims to help these families and support them through the often difficult road of caring for these special children. 

During the loss of a child, parents must take on the responsibility of making many decisions. Usually the loss of a healthy child is an accident or sudden death. It is not usually something the family sees coming. Parents have dreams for their children and long to see them grow up to be happy and healthy. When a child is lost, the parents are overwhelmed by grief and unless they have experienced the loss before, usually do not know what they are allowed to do, what they should do, or what they need to do. Team Sam aims to fill the gap between hospital and families during this time. Supplying the family with a a memory box and local resources as well as supporting them through the loss is something that Team Sam aspires to do.