Sam is a 14 year old boy, with a wonderful sense of humor, and an unrelenting drive to reach his potential. Just like any teenager, Sam enjoys rough-housing with his brother Judah, riding roller coasters, swimming, and going on family outings. He also is a big fan of Disney movies and Dancing with the Stars. The tent swing in the backyard is one of Sam’s favorite hangouts.
Sam spent the first 4 months of his life in the hospital. Sam’s parents, Carrie, a speech pathologist, and Scott, a successful business man, knew that their son’s cerebral palsy diagnosis would be life changing. “P.G. Chambers School would become a place of hope, comfort and respite and we could not wait for Sam to start,” said Carrie.
“When Sam started, at age 5, he could not walk, and did not attend to peers, teachers and activities. Today, thanks to the support and dedication of the P.G. Chambers School team of educators and therapists, he is walking independently, manipulating items with more purposeful interactions, he has friends that he loves, is engaged with learning, and uses his augmentative communication device regularly,” shared Carrie.
Carrie vividly remembers the day when she saw Sam for the first time running down the school hallway in his gate trainer. “We knew that Sam’s unrelenting drive would make milestones like these possible and we could not have been more proud,” said Carrie.
At school, Sam is the first to head to the front of the classroom to use the smartboard. As a middle schooler, Sam enjoys cooking for the School Café. His favorite is the mixer which he can operate by moving a switch. “Sam is captivated by science experiments and enjoys morning movement but would prefer to skip chair yoga and go right to recess,” shared Sam’s teacher, Laura Jaarsma.
Since March 2020, Sam has been a virtual student. Like so many students, the pandemic has impacted Sam’s therapy and he really misses the in-person social opportunities with his teachers and friends. While some of Sam’s classmates returned to in-person instruction in July, COVID-19 poses too great a risk for Sam to come to school in person. “We are truly grateful to have the support of our P.G. Chambers School family today and every day,” said Scott. “The community embraced us as a family and we know Sam is truly loved at P.G. Chambers School.”
Sam will be graduating in the Class of 2021, and the family is excited to watch him seize the many possibilities on the road ahead. Carrie and Scott shared, “Our son will always need a one-to-one nurse to care for him since he cannot eat or swallow on his own. And as a family, we may never go out to dinner, go to the beach or take long trips, because it is too challenging for Sam, but we are forever grateful for what Sam has brought to our lives. Sam shows us every day the power of never giving up and embracing the simple joys of life.”
Many students with complex disabilities across the country have struggled with a lack of services during the pandemic. Yet P.G. Chambers School has persevered, thanks to the generosity of our community. Your gift today will help us continue to meet the needs of students, like Sam, today and continue our important work tomorrow.
Just like Sam, we will never give up. Thanks to your support, our students will reach their unique potential.
“Sam shows us every day the power of never giving up and embracing the simple joys of life.”
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Our team of educators and therapists brilliantly find the potential in every child, thanks to your support.
Shirley Rosenbaum, parent, Daniela, class of 2027
“P.G. Chambers School staff opened our minds to the many possibilities for our daughter. With each passing day, Daniela has become more independent. It has been a life changing experience for us. Daniela’s life has been transformed with the appropriate tools (e.g. voice communicator and therapies), she is now thriving and we could not be more proud. We feel every child at P.G. Chambers School knows they are loved because of the tailored and unique care that the dedicated team of teachers and therapists offer each individual student and family. We are delighted to support the P.G. Chambers School staff so that they can continue to open more pathways of independence for every student.”
Daniela and Instructional Paraprofessional, Antoinette
Eileen Huth, Parent, Molly, class of 2013 and P.G. Chambers School Teacher
“P.G. Chambers School is more than just a school to me, it is a home! As a proud parent of a P.G. Chambers alumna and a long-time employee, I see the impact we make on students’ lives every day and I am so proud to be a part of that. I give because I know this investment will make a difference in the lives of students like Sam and his friends. My daughter, Molly, reminds me every day of the important work we do to help all students reach their potential. I hope you will join me today by making a gift to support P.G. Chambers School.”
Joe Longo, P.G. Chambers School trustee
“As a parent of five healthy children, I truly admire the dedication of families with special needs children and their herculean efforts to bring some normalcy to their children’s lives. The P.G. Chambers School staff provide tremendous support to families and play a major role in improving their quality of life. They teach skills that are pivotal for each child’s development and partner with families to help each student embrace their potential. The teachers, therapists, assistants and administrators hold a special place in the hearts of these children and their families, and their patience and caring hearts are remarkable.”
Bill Haskel, P.G. Chambers School parent of alumnus, Jake, and former trustee
“We give always remembering the compassion, love and education that our son, Jake received from the staff, teachers and friends at the P.G. Chambers School.”
Make a Gift to Support Sam and His Friends
Please consider donating today, using credit card, gifts of stock or your donor advised fund.
Corporate matching gifts can increase the impact of your gift. Check with your employer to see if they offer this valuable benefit.
The CARES Act, extended through 2021, includes provisions to encourage donations to schools like ours. A $300 tax deduction is available even if you do not itemize. Please consider PGCS students if you are able to continue your charitable giving at this time.
To make a recurring gift use the box below. Donation amount listed will be charged monthly. You can stop payments by emailing ackena@chambersschool.org
Click here for printable Sam Story.
On request, PGCS Form 990, and related information is available for public inspection at PGCS in Cedar Knolls, NJ. Copies of this information will be provided at cost within five days of the request by calling 973-829-8484.
P.G. Chambers School is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code. Tax ID# 22-1551480. Information concerning charitable solicitations may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 609-292-4925. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement.