On April 8, 2005, the former Miss California Junior National Teenager Samantha Palumbo was involved in a near-fatal car accident that changed her life forever. Against all odds she survived the brutal force of a wooden log pole that came crashing through the windshield. But the ever-spirited, determined young beauty queen has made a remarkable recovery thus far from the severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) she suffered. Her example of strength and ... read more About Samantha.
About Samantha
At age 16, Samantha Palumbo was an unusually accomplished teenager. Blessed with beauty queen looks and an A+ brain to match, Samantha was a scholar, athlete, and Miss California Junior National Teenager, all while still finding the time to start up her own charitable project and volunteer at her church.
At age 22, Samantha is still admired by the people she meets, mainly due to what is possibly her biggest achievement yet: surviving a near-fatal car accident that left her striving to overcome traumatic brain injury and rebuild her young life.
On the evening of April 8, 2005, just three weeks following her sixteenth birthday, Samantha's brand new Scion TC collided with an equestrian fence. There were six wooden logs that pierced through the car, but one log would make all the difference. This single log smashed through her windshield, provided a brutal blow to the left side of her head, and forever changed her life. After being given just 48 hours to live, followed by a prolonged period in various levels of coma, it was apparent that one of Samantha's best characteristics endured the whole accident: her inner-strength and determination.
At age 22, Samantha is still admired by the people she meets, mainly due to what is possibly her biggest achievement yet: surviving a near-fatal car accident that left her striving to overcome traumatic brain injury and rebuild her young life.
On the evening of April 8, 2005, just three weeks following her sixteenth birthday, Samantha's brand new Scion TC collided with an equestrian fence. There were six wooden logs that pierced through the car, but one log would make all the difference. This single log smashed through her windshield, provided a brutal blow to the left side of her head, and forever changed her life. After being given just 48 hours to live, followed by a prolonged period in various levels of coma, it was apparent that one of Samantha's best characteristics endured the whole accident: her inner-strength and determination.
By the grace of God, Samantha slowly but surely emerged to consciousness. And while she would face many challenges on the road to recovery, which included undergoing numerous cranial-facial reconstructive surgeries and regaining the abilities to walk and speak, anyone who has ever known Samantha Palumbo will tell you that she has never run from a challenge.
Almost seven years post-accident, Samantha and her family are dedicated to improving her quality of life, and are thankful each day to the doctors, therapists, trainers, friends, and even strangers who offer up their support and positivity. Samantha is now able to walk with an assistant by her side for balance and safety.
She uses a number of methods to communicate her thoughts. Functional gestures, facial expressions, some verbal output but primarily an amazing computer that converts her text to speech and allows her quick wit to bring laughter to those around her.
Almost seven years post-accident, Samantha and her family are dedicated to improving her quality of life, and are thankful each day to the doctors, therapists, trainers, friends, and even strangers who offer up their support and positivity. Samantha is now able to walk with an assistant by her side for balance and safety.
She uses a number of methods to communicate her thoughts. Functional gestures, facial expressions, some verbal output but primarily an amazing computer that converts her text to speech and allows her quick wit to bring laughter to those around her.
Realizing that the only disability in life is a bad attitude, Samantha's natural and greatest ability is likely her positive attitude, which provides the foundation of her successes to come.
Thanks to her resilient and God-given abilities, Samantha has accomplished many things over the last six and a half years that once seemed impossible. Using her intelligence and passion for education, she graduated from a transitional program at the local community college.
Samantha's example of courage in the face of adversity, her natural charm and desire to help others created opportunities to participate in two recent service projects that will be aired on television in the near future. Watch for the Pageant of Hope featured in an episode of a new show on ABC "Everyday Health,". and "It Takes a Village" on the OWN Network.
WIth the help of a few of her friends, she is re-launching her own charitable project she started before her accident. " To Mom With Love", which allows children in need to make presents for their moms and experience the joy of giving to someone special in their lives.
Thanks to her resilient and God-given abilities, Samantha has accomplished many things over the last six and a half years that once seemed impossible. Using her intelligence and passion for education, she graduated from a transitional program at the local community college.
Samantha's example of courage in the face of adversity, her natural charm and desire to help others created opportunities to participate in two recent service projects that will be aired on television in the near future. Watch for the Pageant of Hope featured in an episode of a new show on ABC "Everyday Health,". and "It Takes a Village" on the OWN Network.
WIth the help of a few of her friends, she is re-launching her own charitable project she started before her accident. " To Mom With Love", which allows children in need to make presents for their moms and experience the joy of giving to someone special in their lives.