Sierra "Sammy" Amanda Morgan Brooks

On March 28, Sammy had a bladder infection, that quickly turned into sepsis. That again, quickly turned into septic shock and multiple organ failure. On March 30, her fight ended. She was surrounded by voices who loved her, and her dad, stepmom, and sister, holding her hand. She was so deeply loved.

Sammy was a miracle from the day she was born. Her life was never supposed to go on after her first few days of life. Yet, she proved every doctor and statistic wrong. She was our miracle.

We are incredibly thankful for the life and gift that she was to us and to the world.

Her medical conditions never stunted her ability to lead, inspire, and challenge the world to do better. At Kentwood High School, she raced in track and threw discus. Some of the best days of her life where on the track with her team. She won the State Championship in Discus and she still holds the record for longest throw in the Junior Nationals Adaptive Sports USA.

She graduated from Kentwood High School in 2012 and was chosen by her peers to give one of the graduation speeches. She was beloved by her classmates, teachers, and staff.

In addition, we will be forever grateful for Canine Companions for Independence. Before Sammy was in 7th grade, she had the privilege of being chosen to be with Hansen, a black lab retriever mix, to be her skilled companion service dog. Sammy and Hansen had an incredible bond. Hansen was certainly Sammy’s first love. They were absolutely inseparable. In 2016, Hansen retried and passed. This left a huge hole in Sammy’s heart and really the whole families.

A year or so later, Sammy reapplied for another Canine Companions for Independence service dog. In May of 2018, we welcomed Jagger, a yellow lab retriever mix. Sammy and Jagger loved to cuddle, play, and practice commands all throughout the house. Sammy and Jagger were best friends, and she was always so thankful for him.

We have found out that Canine Companions for Independence has allowed us to retire Jagger. Sammy’s parents will happily keep him as their family dog.

We take great comfort that Sammy and Hansen are reunited in Heaven.

Sammy was also so passionate about writing and making sure that everyone she loved knew how much she loved them. She would often write poems, appreciation posts on social media, or post motivational and inspirational messages. She often raised money for the National Suicide Hotline around her birthday to bring awareness to the need to help those with depression. She used her struggle with depression to lead us to help others. She gave of herself endlessly.

We have learned so much from Sammy. We continue to lean on her strength and will always take her with us in Spirit everywhere we go.

In lieu of flowers, we want to take Sammy’s lead, and we ask that you donate to Canine Companions for Independence to help other kids like Sammy find their service dog companion and best friend.

We have yet to make plans for a formal service but may provide a livestream option in the near future. We will keep family and friends updated.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the poured-out love for Sammy and for this family.