Sam and Derrick Graduate

I didn’t really get to know Sam Bridgeman until just a year ago…..but what an inspiration he has been!!
To see him walk across the stage today at the Chiles Center was not just inspiring, it brought tears to the eyes of the many that know and love him.

As most know, Sam suffers from Friedreich’s Ataxia, a genetic, progressive, neuromuscular disease that affects muscle coordination leading to symptoms such as scoliosis, diabetes and life-shortening heart complications.

There currently is no cure.

One of Sam's biggest supporters and friends is Derrick Rogers. Derrick also walked the stage today at UP during graduation ceremonies.

I've gotten to know Derrick and his parents pretty well over the last couple of years, and believe me, his development in the classroom over the last three years has put him in a position to enter the work force that was almost unimaginable when he arrived at UP.

With a degree in Marketing and Sustainability with a minor in Communications, Derrick’s outlook for the future is very bright.


(BTW, Derrick is looking at giving professional basketball an attempt in the days to come.)

Just saw this ..... truly an inspiration, and apparently something Sam's been working on with his fiance'.

.....and this one; thanks to Sarah Griffin

It brought tears to my eyes......