Meet Sam

Sam's Story

When Sam lost her dad to suicide, she found herself struggling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She even thought about taking her own life. But Cincinnati Children's was there to save her.

The experts in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children's helped her learn how to cope and thrive.

To help support mental health programs at Cincinnati Children's she participates in Cincinnati Walks for Kids each year. She leads the Rob's Kids team, one of the top fundraisers.

The money she and her team raise supports the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at our College Hill Campus. That's where Sam learned the skills she needed to navigate through her life while coping with her illness.

"I want to give back to the medical center that saved my life," Sam says. "Without Cincinnati Children's, I wouldn't be here today. I want to help make sure that College Hill is always there for families. I want kids to know there is hope."

It wasn't just the staff at College Hill that helped Sam. During her treatment, she saw how other patients were working through their conditions, and she realized two things – she wasn't alone and she wanted to impact the care for kids like her.

"My care team helped me understand that I have a bright future. They told me I could be the first female president of the United States, but I want something bigger. I want to be the CEO of Cincinnati Children's," Sam laughs.

Thanks to her time at College Hill and ongoing therapy, Sam is thriving. She is looking forward to celebrating her successes with her closest friends and family members at Cincinnati Walks for Kids.

You can join her, register now.