Samar Hurt Jordan passed away peacefully on July 17 at 730 PM. His father was at his bedside. Samar faced many challenges during the 16 years of his life. His mother passed away from breast cancer when he was only 3 years old. As an infant Samar had tremors and his father noticed they were becoming worse so he took him for further evaluations. He was diagnosed with Congenital Cerebellar Ataxia. Samar fought all the challenges of this condition with big smile on his face. It was very rare that he would show any pain or unhappiness. Samar was able to walk when he was younger, but needed a walker and then finally a wheelchair to get around. He loved going to Hope School and was rarely absent. He had a big appetite and loved pizza and spaghetti. Samar was not able to chew well this last year and required a tube for feeding. He could handle pureed foods in small amounts, so his father would blend pizza and hamburgers in the blender so he could have his favorite foods. Samar had a severe curve in his back and his hands were bent and frozen in place due to lack of movement, but he was still able to use his iPad to watch his favorite show, Thomas the Train, or to play his favorite games.
Samar taught us all how to be grateful for all we have in life. And to keep on smiling. He will be missed terribly.