9 April 2011 was the fifth Anniversary of the day that Samuel had his near drowning, and nature turned on a day just like that one for the anniversary, a hot Autumn afternoon that makes the water look attractive.
It is five years that has in some ways seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye, and in other ways it is five years that feels like a life time.
Samuel has been through so much in this time. Forty seven hospital admissions, ten lots of major surgery, hundreds of hospital visits for more treatment and therapy, not to mention all the little illnesses and problems that have been dealt with at home. Yet despite it all Samuel has shown us all how tough and determined he is.
He might not be able to talk, but he has taught many people a lot of lessons since that day.
He is obviously the inspiration for this Foundation and the work that we do in trying to prevent Samuels accident from happening to other children and their families. It is his story, and his determination that touches all those who hear it.
Sadly in the last five years we have witnessed far too many families join us on this journey, and far too many children die or be left disabled through near drowning. We also know that the reality is that in the next five years there are still going to be too many children and families affected in the future until everyone in the community hears and actions the message about what need to do to stop these tragedies from happening.
There is still far too much inconsistency in legislation, still so much to do in getting the message out to every parent, to every pool owner and to the community in general.
So if you are reading this, PLEASE help us spread the message about water safety and drowning prevention.
We also need your assistance to help support children like Samuel, and your help to support the families of these children. The reality is that supporting children like Samuels is expensive and time consuming for the families and our ability to support them can only be continued with the support of the community.
Thank you to all those who supported us as a family and all those who have supported the Samuel Morris Foundation, we appreciate your support to date, however our ability to continue is reliant on people like YOU. So please donate, and encourage all your family, friends and workmates to do the same.
Leave a Reply