You're well on the road to a full recovery, Sam! Stay strong and know that we love you. We're praying for you constantly. Thanks for keeping us updated, Ashley, you're in our hearts and prayers, too!

My family is friends with Hollie's little sister Kelly. We have you in our prayers. I just have this feeling that one day you story, including the recovery,will inspire many people to have faith and to be positive. Also, I LOVE the ABC show Home Extreme Makeover and I think you all would be great for it. I know that you are so busy right now, but if there is a good friend that knows you well....they should apply for your family. Your story would be so touching to so many. Just a thought.

Ashley,
Sam is definitely in our prayers, as are you and Benjamin. I know how strong you are, and I know that God is watching over you at this time. He loves you more than the rest of you and knows what you're capable of handling! If there is anything I can do, please let me know! I will put him on the temple rolls in Louisville. Love you!
Kally

Sam & Ashley, we are in constant thought and prayer of your family! Tyreece, Jalen & Desmond just recently watched Pinochio and Desmond, our 6 year old, said to me after hearing of your accident, "Mom, let's just wish on a star and make him all better!" If only it were that easy. We know your strength Sam. And believe in you, and the know that the Lord will work through you and make you stronger in His wisdom! We have all wished upon a star for you here in Wisconsin, so we trust that you'll get better soon!

Dear Sam and Ashley,
Although we do not know you very well I have enjoyed doing music with you in primary and Branden has enjoyed getting to know Sam in Priesthood. Our constant thoughts and prayers are with all of you. When we heard of the accident our hearts just sank. We know the strenghth you have and the faith you have in our Heavenly Father will get you through. We send you all our love and thoughts. We have stuff for the baby, we will get it to Blair and he can get it to you. Let us know if there is ANYTHING else that you need. We will stay in touch!!!!

Were pulling for you Ashley and Sam, hang in there. We will be up to visit soon!

What an overwhelming trial to face so early in your little family's life! When I saw the picture of Sam, Ashley and baby Ben in the hospital, it just broke my heart, but then I noticed that all three of you had huge smiles on your faces, even the baby! It's amazing, how you have continued to uplift and strengthen each other and keep such a positive outlook! We all know that this will be the key to Sam's speedy recovery! Your beautiful family is an inspiration to me and will be to anyone who learns of you. You're in our thoughts and prayers! Love, The Gourley Family

I am so happy to hear you are improving, Sam! And I am so happy to see how in the face of tragedy, everyone comes together to support one another. Stay strong! Myslef and my friends at Wish Upon a Hero are praying for you and your family.

Just want you to know we are thinking of and praying for you! I wish there were some words of help or comfort I could say, but know that I love you and pray for Sam to make a full recovery!

Sammy boy,

First off, if there is anyone in this world that is stron enough to overcome this trial in life it is you. You have been and are an inspiration to me. As you might recall some of your council and support in the mission field helped mold the outcome and success that I had on the mission. You are an amazing person with an amazing will. It seems that your wife is taking good care of you and that with her and our heavenly father you will walk again. I love you man. Keep truckin and know that we are all pulling for you.

Sincerly,
Brad Taggart

We are praying for you.

Hey Sam we just wanted you to know that you're in our prayers and that we hope the best for you. You're a good example to many. Keep up the good work.

Sam, Ashley, and Benjamin,
Miracles happen every day and no one is more deserving of one than you. You are an amazing family and I love you all so much. Sam, I know that you will accomplish anything you set your mind to. It's going to take time and effort but with the love and support of your friends and family you will be able to do many wonderful things. You've got an amazing woman by your side who loves you very much. Together you will make it through anything. Ashley, you are such a strong person. You are a wonderful example to myself and many others. I know if anyone can keep a young family strong and happy during hard times it's you. Benjy, you have wonderful parents who love you very much, who will support you in anything you do. You bring so much joy and happiness to your family, what a blessing. To all of you, know that I love and support you and that I am mindful of your situation. I am praying for you and your continued improvement. Ashley, you have my number, please call me if you need ANYTHING, i mean it. Love you guys, Esther

sorry to hear about your misfortunes sam and family ,stay strong and me and my children will pray for you and your family .
sincerely,
jeff oneill

You're in our thoughts and prayers. We'll come visit as soon as we can.

Ashley, All of us here were fasting for Sam and your family today. Your attitude and Sam's testimony are an inspiration. Thank you. The pictures of your little family are so lovely. I hope that you find some comfort in knowing that we (and so many others)are thinking of you and you are in our prayers. If there is anything that we can do for you, let us know. We are so bad at keeping in touch. We just got back from another semester in Madrid. It was great, but it also made us miss you all from our first group a lot.

Hi Ashley, Sam, and Benjy,

I am Sam's father's cousin (maiden name Higbee)--my mother and Evan's father are siblings. My brother, Jay, emailed me about what happened. I am SO sorry you have to go through such a hard challenge. My husband's sister's grandson had a similar thing happen to him a year ago at age 17 in a wrestling match. He broke two vertebrae in his neck. They have had some progress but not as much as they would like. I also had a son fall 55 feet from a tower and break his back and ankles--has had a number of surgeries. He had a 1 1/2 inch tear in the durra, and to the doc's surprise wasn't paralyzed. I do know something of the stress and challenge it requires. I'll be thinking of you and following along.

Jan Reynolds

Hi - I don't know you or even know exactly how I found your site, but I am certainly touched by your story and can't even express the many different emotions I've felt just reading through it. I won't pretend to be able to imagine what each of you are going through. Some things are beyond comprehension until you are required to face them. And though I am a complete stranger and have no possible way of making a financial donation, I would like to just express to you my deepest condolences and hopes that your family will come through this struggle stronger and closer to each other. You already sound so positive and determined. I would like to think that I could handle myself just as well. I don't know that I could.
I would like you to know that you have strangers who have compassion for your family, who are praying for you and hoping for a miraculous recovery.

Hey Sam and Fam.

Sam you were and are such a great example of serving the lord with all your heart,might,mind,and strength.
The lord will always bring about his will. I know the lord lives and will take care of use.
I hope you all have a great one and hope to here from you soon.


Tanner & Ruth Blankenfeld

Hi guys! I know you've been overwhelmed with well-wishers, so I thought I would say hi here. We are thinking of you and praying for you constantly. Janet Ring just told me about a student of hers who had similar injuries and was told he would never recover. 2 years later he was back in Karate class. Whether or not such a recovery is in the cards for Sam, I know he will have a great future. I love you both! Give the baby a kiss for me.
-Sarah

Dear Ashley and Sam:
We are among the many who have learned of Sam's grave accident and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are going out for all of you night and day. Our hearts are touched by Sam's incredible faith, positive attitude, and bright spirit which we know Ashley reflects so beautifully as well. We have been touched greatly by the photos, especially the one of Sam with your beautiful infant son to whom he had given a name and a blessing. Please know that your joint example will last and expand in our lives and those of numerous others.

Our thoughts, love, and prayers--Gordon and Sharon Allred and Family

Ashley & Sam,

First of all Congrats! Benji is adorable! When Matt told me that you had him I was thrown off, I had to look and the calendar but I was excited for you two. Then a few weeks goes by and he tells me about Sam's accident and I felt terrible. Let us know what we can do to help and know that our prayers are with you.

Rachelle Mickelson de Paula

Sam & Ashley,
You are like family to us and we love you very much. Miracles do happen everyday and you are in our daily prayers. We know this challenge will be a hard one, but if anyone can come out on top, it is the two of you! Hang in there!
Love,
The Hunters

Sam, I just learned of this web site!!!! I have been asking Ray about your progress. I am so sorry!!!! You know, in life, there are all kinds of challenges that we all have to bear. Some are more severe than others, obviously....the Lord tell us that we will never be given more than we can bare. My prayers have been with you and your family.
Please update us on your progress, we are all very concerned and anxious to hear of your recovery.
Sincerely,

DeAnn Jensen

SAM,

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!!!!!!!

NEVER GIVE UP KEEP TRYING TO MOVE ANYTHING AND EVERY THING I'VE SEEN PEOPLE WALK OUT OF THE HOSPITAL 3 MONTHS LATER. GOD WORKS! YOU CAN TOO.

I MET ASHLEY, HERE IN MADISON, THIS MORN. SHE CAME BY TO HELP ME, HER JOB BEING A CNA, PERSONAL CARE WORKER. SHE IS AS COOL AS THEY COME!!! YOU ARE BLESSED TO HAVE A FRIEND LIKE HER. ANY WAY, I BROKE MY NECK 17 YEARS AGO, HAVE BEEN THROUGH ALMOST EVERY THING FROM GETTING FEELING BACK- MOVEING MY TOE THEN LEG. TO STANDING SIT WATER SKIING, SPINAL MENENJITIS AND NOT MOVEING AGAINTO USEING MY MANUAL CHAIR AGAIN.

I'LL WRITE MORE L88R,

BLESSINGS!

NEVIN

SAM,

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!!!!!!!

NEVER GIVE UP KEEP TRYING TO MOVE ANYTHING AND EVERY THING I'VE SEEN PEOPLE WALK OUT OF THE HOSPITAL 3 MONTHS LATER. GOD WORKS! YOU CAN TOO.

I MET ASHLEY, HERE IN MADISON, THIS MORN. SHE CAME BY TO HELP ME, HER JOB BEING A CNA, PERSONAL CARE WORKER. SHE IS AS COOL AS THEY COME!!! YOU ARE BLESSED TO HAVE A FRIEND LIKE HER. ANY WAY, I BROKE MY NECK 17 YEARS AGO, HAVE BEEN THROUGH ALMOST EVERY THING FROM GETTING FEELING BACK- MOVEING MY TOE THEN LEG. TO STANDING SIT WATER SKIING, SPINAL MENENJITIS AND NOT MOVEING AGAINTO USEING MY MANUAL CHAIR AGAIN.

I'LL WRITE MORE L88R,

BLESSINGS!

NEVIN

THERE'S A BOOK I'LL HAVE TO GET THE NAME OF 4 YOU GUYS. BUT IT TALKS ABOUT BRAIN REMAPPING. I BELIEVE GOD HAS GIVEN ME BACK USE OF HANDS LEGS THAT THEY SAID I WOULDN'T HAVE. I KEEP TRYING TO MOVE MY TOE TO THE BEAT OF MUSIC, WHICH IS ALSO VERY THERAPUTIC, AND AFTER 'ROUND 2- 2 1/2MONTHS STARTED MOVEING MY FOOT THEN LEG.

KEEP TRYING AND KNOW GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING!

BLESSINGS!

NEV

Hi,
I just read your blog and I am blown away by your strength and courage. Let me introduce myself. I am Matt Blanchard's mother-in-law. So I have some idea about what you are going through. I have watched Matt go through exactly what you are going through now,even though you might not know it upon seeing him at this point in his process of rehabilitation. It was with determination, hard work and will power and the desire to never give up that he is now able to walk when everyone told him that it would be an impossibility. Believe me, he has had his low points, but he always managed with the help of his wife and family to put that goal back in front of him. You guys can do it too! You are a beautiful family, and Sam, I sense the same determination in you too. Our whole family is praying for you and will do what we can to help you achieve your dream of walking again too. It won't be easy and Matt would be the first one to tell you that, but it is possible. Life for our daughter changed that day too. But in two years, she has never complained. She has loved Matt since she was 16 years old, and even though he questioned why she would stay with him after the accident, he failed to realized that he has always been more than a pair of legs, and nothing could destroy the love that she has for him. I know it has been hard for her especially taking care of 3 children but I learned that my daughter has a strength that I did not know that she has. I have never been so proud of two kids, nor could I love them more. Matt would probably kill me for telling you this, but the Matt before the accident was a guy who lived on the edge. He wasn't afraid of anything, and life was all about him. He loved his family, but he didn't see the whole picture. Since the accident, Matt has had the rare opportunity to look deep inside himself and see what really matters in life and what counts. He isn't the same person and he will be the first one to tell you that. The way he treats Natalie and his children is truly amazing. He is more spiritual and thinks deeply about matters that most of us just pay little attention to. I loved Matt before the accident, but I really, really love and respect the MAN that he has become. He told me once that if he could undo the accident, but would lose what he has learned he wouldn't change what has happened to him. I teach school, and I watch students grow and change all the time, but I have never seen anyone grow and develop such inner personal strength, caring and a love for family, God, and all things good and wonderful as Matt has done, all because of this accident. Sometimes, good things do come out of trajedy. Yes, he would love to be whole again, but the new and improved Matt is something to behold. May God bless you the way he has blessed and taken care of my family through the difficult days ahead, just know with each day,that as improvements big or small come along they all add up until you can finally reach your goal. Best of luck to both of you, and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family.
Love,
Jennifer Robinson