Holiday Wish: Abby Samways’ Story [VIDEO]

The Samways are a small family from Lakeville who are simply up against it all.

Ten-year-old Abby is living in a small two-bedroom house and is sleeping in the middle of the living room. She requires full-time nursing care due to her medical needs, and can not be left alone for a minute.

It would be great for her to have her own space, but the house needs updates such as fixing ceilings and uneven floors that make movement hard for Abby, because she uses a wheelchair to move around.

The Samways are in need of electricity for her medical equipment 24/7, making it difficult when the power goes out. Although they do have a generator, it still needs to be hooked up and installed in case of emergencies and power outages.

She was once a student at the Schwartz Center, but it was suggested by doctors that Abby was taken out of school due to her fragile condition and she has been home ever since.

The family does not have much but have been keeping their spirits high and trying to keep depression at bay. Abby is and has always been their number one concern and responsibility. There is no such thing as vacations, time off, or even rest.

Text to Donate: Text WISHES to 313131. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to make a donation via credit card to this family when you select the day and date of which family you wish to help from the drop-down menu.

By Check: Make checks payable to the United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help. Checks can be dropped off at Fun 107 studios during normal business hours or mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union Street, Suite 105, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Donate by Credit Card: You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card HERE. Select the day and date of the family you wish to help from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

Donations of Gift Cards can be dropped off at Fun 107. Please leave a note saying the card is for HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help, along with your name.

All of our families are pre-selected through the United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the United Way directly.