If you have ever met Lizzy Samples, chances are you walked away smiling—and maybe with a new song stuck in your head. She does not just enter a room, she owns it with a quick-witted comment, a twirl, and a hug for good measure. At just nine years old, Lizzy has mastered the art of being both the life of the party and the heart of her family.

But behind that big personality is a story of strength. Lizzy was born prematurely and with Down syndrome. She spent her first month in the NICU, followed by a series of surgeries in her first year of life, including open heart surgery at six months and eye surgery at nine months. From the start, she faced challenge after challenge and met each one with grit and grace.
Today, Lizzy is a joyful, thriving third grader who loves school, gymnastics, and being center stage. She is quick to entertain with a performance, whether she is singing, dancing, or critiquing her dinner with the flair of a food critic. She gives the best hugs, the biggest laughs, and somehow knows exactly how to make people feel like they matter.

Her journey has not always been easy, there were feeding struggles, a g-tube, and therapies. But those early days are now just chapters in a much bigger story—one filled with milestones that her family celebrates loudly and often. From zipping a jacket to writing full sentences, each achievement is a victory earned through hard work and unwavering determination.

Lizzy’s personality is the perfect blend of sassy and sweet. She is a performer, a cheerleader, a tender soul, and a tenacious go-getter. She is the life of classrooms, family dinners, and even doctor’s offices with her honesty and charm. Her resilience is as natural as her sense of humor, honesty, and charm. 

Her family hopes the world continues to grow in inclusion and understanding, because Lizzy has so much to offer. They envision her future filled with friendship, opportunity, and freedom to be exactly who she is: a smart, funny, determined girl who refuses to be underestimated.