Hogan Warriors - In memory of Sam Hogan
Donation protected
Family, friends and community,
A long time ago (June 4th, 1998) in a galaxy far, far away (Kansas City, MO), by God's beautiful design, Samuel Hogan was born.
Sam's life at a very young age was met with trials and tribulations, and a few bumps along the way. He spent some time in foster care. He lived in group home and hospital settings. He had a heart condition and needed a transplant.
Sam suffered with a rare genetic disease identified as Williams Syndrome. Williams Syndrome generally is coupled with serious symptoms. It has been described as an uncommon and complex disorder.
Sam had two significant needs. #1 He needed a family #2 He needed a new heart.
Some might assume that it would be incredibly difficult to find a family ready and willing to sign on for surgeries, long hospital stays, endless appointments, meetings, never ending paper work, therapies and check ups. Which made what happened next only to be described as divine intervention. Sam met Jimel and neither of them ever looked back. He was HOME. Exactly where God orchestrated him to be. In 2011 both of Sam's needs were officially met. He was adopted, which then allowed him to be added to the transplant list, and therefore be the recipient of his new heart.
I always thought how lucky Sam was for finding Jimel, but now I see that it was quite possibly the other way around. She was blessed and saved by him. Truthfully, they were blessed to have each other.
Sam's life continued to defy the odds. He had many "firsts" as a member of the Hogan family. He even surpassed many limitations that were beyond what he should have been able to do. Writing his name was one of them. Sam went on to finish High School, celebrate his 21st birthday, secure a job and even signed his paychecks to deposit into his very own bank account.
If you knew Sam directly or indirectly your life was blessed ten fold because of it. He was a fierce protector and loved his Mama. An avid ceiling fan watcher, a lover of all things Kansas City. Royals and Chiefs alike. An excellent brother, an even better son, uncle, grandson, cousin and nephew.
Sam's heart stopped beating on January 6th, 2020. He gained his heavenly wings that very evening, but for us that he left behind, we still very much feel his heartbeat. The light that he carried will forever remain in us, the ones who love and miss him so deeply.
His mother would never ask for it but I have become aware of a few needs of the family and I would love nothing more to rally around her and her family during their time of grief and release the burden. Therefore, I have a rather big ask. I am seeking $15,000 to assist with the following:
1. Due to Sam's medical diagnosis the family was denied an insurance claim to assist with funeral expenses.
2. The family has a few rather large and quite frankly overwhelming home modification projects that will need to be completed urgently. One being that Sam's handicap shower was initially improperly installed and it will need to be removed and replaced immediately as it has caused significant structural and water damage to the entire bathroom. The other is that due to the number of people in the house the Hogan's will need an updated main electrical panel service and some rewiring throughout the house.
As you can imagine, to a single mom of 11, unexpected expenses can cause tremendous stress. Especially when those expenses are this costly and seem unobtainable. Please considering giving what you can to help us obtain our goal and to wrap around this beautiful family during their time of need.
God bless!
A long time ago (June 4th, 1998) in a galaxy far, far away (Kansas City, MO), by God's beautiful design, Samuel Hogan was born.
Sam's life at a very young age was met with trials and tribulations, and a few bumps along the way. He spent some time in foster care. He lived in group home and hospital settings. He had a heart condition and needed a transplant.
Sam suffered with a rare genetic disease identified as Williams Syndrome. Williams Syndrome generally is coupled with serious symptoms. It has been described as an uncommon and complex disorder.
Sam had two significant needs. #1 He needed a family #2 He needed a new heart.
Some might assume that it would be incredibly difficult to find a family ready and willing to sign on for surgeries, long hospital stays, endless appointments, meetings, never ending paper work, therapies and check ups. Which made what happened next only to be described as divine intervention. Sam met Jimel and neither of them ever looked back. He was HOME. Exactly where God orchestrated him to be. In 2011 both of Sam's needs were officially met. He was adopted, which then allowed him to be added to the transplant list, and therefore be the recipient of his new heart.
I always thought how lucky Sam was for finding Jimel, but now I see that it was quite possibly the other way around. She was blessed and saved by him. Truthfully, they were blessed to have each other.
Sam's life continued to defy the odds. He had many "firsts" as a member of the Hogan family. He even surpassed many limitations that were beyond what he should have been able to do. Writing his name was one of them. Sam went on to finish High School, celebrate his 21st birthday, secure a job and even signed his paychecks to deposit into his very own bank account.
If you knew Sam directly or indirectly your life was blessed ten fold because of it. He was a fierce protector and loved his Mama. An avid ceiling fan watcher, a lover of all things Kansas City. Royals and Chiefs alike. An excellent brother, an even better son, uncle, grandson, cousin and nephew.
Sam's heart stopped beating on January 6th, 2020. He gained his heavenly wings that very evening, but for us that he left behind, we still very much feel his heartbeat. The light that he carried will forever remain in us, the ones who love and miss him so deeply.
His mother would never ask for it but I have become aware of a few needs of the family and I would love nothing more to rally around her and her family during their time of grief and release the burden. Therefore, I have a rather big ask. I am seeking $15,000 to assist with the following:
1. Due to Sam's medical diagnosis the family was denied an insurance claim to assist with funeral expenses.
2. The family has a few rather large and quite frankly overwhelming home modification projects that will need to be completed urgently. One being that Sam's handicap shower was initially improperly installed and it will need to be removed and replaced immediately as it has caused significant structural and water damage to the entire bathroom. The other is that due to the number of people in the house the Hogan's will need an updated main electrical panel service and some rewiring throughout the house.
As you can imagine, to a single mom of 11, unexpected expenses can cause tremendous stress. Especially when those expenses are this costly and seem unobtainable. Please considering giving what you can to help us obtain our goal and to wrap around this beautiful family during their time of need.
God bless!
Organizer and beneficiary
Tiffany Gensler
Organizer
Blue Springs, MO
Jimel Hogan
Beneficiary
