"Be a leader to others to make the world a better place." ~Sam Wessels~
Now 12 and wise beyond his years!
Samuel Fisher Wessels was first diagnosed with autism on March 25, 2004. He was just twenty-six months old. It was a blow to our family, to say the least. Our life was about to be changed forever, in ways we could have never predicted nor even imagined. In our quest to learn more about our son's condition, that we might be better equipped to help him, we all too readily also learned how terribly broken and strained our government was when it came to the needs of individuals like our Sam. The waiting lists for services he was now entitled to due to a declared disability were anywhere from a few to several years long. With insurance companies eager to deny payment for many of the treatments and therapies we were told were essential for his progress and well-being, his future grew bleak. It became glaringly obvious to us, this was going to be up to us, with very little help from anyone, and very few viable options at our disposal. We also discovered that autism was now anything but a rare condition, affecting an estimated one in 166, with every one in one hundred of them being boys. (In 2013, initial research data collected by the CDC suggests one in fifty children, one in 34 boys is diagnosed with an ASD). The clock was ticking! It became glaringly obvious to our family, if our government were to change for the betterment of all within the autism community, we were going to need to collectively reach them. So began our family's journey into autism...............
While Sam did meet a number of politicians when he was but two, three and four years old, he did not address any of them until the age of five. This was monumental for Sam! Speaking was something Sam had to relearn once autism claimed him. Actually communicating for the sake of interacting with others was also foreign to Sam, due to his autism. As you may be able to imagine, addressing political candidates in an overcrowded room filled with sounds, odors, and the hustle and bustle of strangers truly was an especially amazing occasion for young Sam! But speak to presidential candidates he did, going back as far as April of 2007.
First up was Senator John McCain of Arizona. Senator McCain made a bid for the presidency during the 2008 presidential election cycle. Senator McCain did go on to eventually secure the Republican nomination, but inevitably lost to then senator of Illinois, Barack Obama, whom Sam also addressed during the 2008 presidential election circuit. Sam inquired of each of them how they intended to help individuals with autism and their families, if elected. The responses varied every bit as much as the candidates themselves. Of course, they all promised to help. For the most part, none have.
In all, Sam met with five of the top contenders for president during the 2008 presidential campaign. They include: former Governor of Massachusetts, in addition to being the Republican nominee for president for 2012, Mitt Romney; former Governor of Wisconsin and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2001 to 2005, Tommy Thomson; Senator John Edwards, formerly senator of North Carolina as well as Democratic nominee for Vice President in 2004; Former Arkansas Governor and also host of Huckabee on Fox News Channel, Mike Huckabee; 2008 Republican nominee for president and current Senator of Arizona, John McCain; Senator of Illinois up until securing the presidential election of 2008 and 2012, Barack Obama.
Although not pictured with her, Sam did take the time to meet Governor Sarah Palin as well. This photo is from a McCain/Palin campaign rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was September 18, 2008. The crowd was staggering, by far the largest we'd ever attended. Sam was a VIP guest for his tireless work with the McCain camp on behalf of those with autism. As the crowd was so massive, with so many people wanting even just a moment with Governor Palin, we did not press Governor Palin for a photo. We did have enough time to pass her some pertinent autism info as well as shake her hand and introduce ourselves. Sarah Palin was Alaska's ninth governor, serving from December 4, 2006, until resigning on July 26, 2009. Sarah Palin has the distinction of being the youngest person and first woman to serve as Alaska's governor. As the Republican nominee for Vice President in 2008, alongside Arizona Senator John McCain, she was the first Alaskan on the national ticket of a major party and the first Republican woman nominated for the vice presidency. Sarah and Todd Palin raise a child with Down Syndrome. Her sister has a child on the autism spectrum.
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For this event, Sam and his mom made special shirts, with the hope of capturing and keeping the attention of those who had the power and were in the position to actually help!
Below: Picture of the swelling crowd! |
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Largely due to our political autism activism, our family garnered a spot in the film, The United States of Autism. With the documentary in mind, our mission changed slightly. We then set out not simply to meet as many high profile political figures as was possible for us, pressing them each and every time to respond to the current autism travesty, but also to bestow upon them a United States of Autism t-shirt. Our hope was that they might better recall our pleas, having a tangible reminder of our visit. Our first encounter was with then Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty. We met Governor Pawlenty in Cherokee, IA. It was July 28, 2011. He was making a bid for the 2012 presidency. By this time, our family had evolved into the the digital age, making both photos and videos of our experiences much more feasible for us. Whenever possible, we took both as a way of chronicling Sam's hard very earnest efforts and hard work.
Next up, businessman Herman Cain, also vying for president of the United States in the 2012 election cycle. Although typically the same basic question, we discussed each time what Sam wanted to ask and to say to each of the individual candidates. We then wrote down Sam's content for him to read. It significantly helped him so that he did not lose his train of thought, while under the pressure of asking questions in front of crowds, most of them rather large! This gathering took place in Rock Rapids, IA, on August 10, 2011.
Pictured above: Lin Wessels with Gov Mike Huckabee.
Center: Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa. Far Right: Congressman Ron Paul from Texas. |
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As Sam's quest continued, his questions evolved. He did not feel as though his inquiries were being properly understood nor genuinely answered. Sam met Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota on October 14, 2011, while campaigning in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Congresswomen Bachmann had already won the Ames (Iowa) Straw Poll in August of 2011. However, she finished sixth in the Iowa Caucus, prompting her to drop out In January from the 2012 presidential election. She has served as the Representative for her district in Minnesota since 2007. Prior to serving Minnesota in the House of Representatives, Michele Bachmann had the distinct honor of being Minnesota's first Republican woman to serve in Congress. She was a member of the Minnesota Senate, serving from January 3rd of 2001 until January 3rd of 2007, when she assumed her current congressional position.
It was December 28, 2011, in LeMars, Iowa, when Sam met and questioned former Speaker of the United States House or Representatives, Newt Gingrich, and his wife, Callista. Speaker Gingrich served as Speaker of the House from January 4, 1995, to January 3, 1999. Prior to his appointment as Speaker, Newt served the state of Georgia, in the US House of Representatives as their Congressman. He also served as House Minority Whip from March 20, 1989, to January 3, 1985.
Since Congressman Ron Paul had already accepted a United States of Autism shirt, receiving it during the Iowa Straw Poll, rather than give him another, we asked if he might autograph one instead. He graciously complied. Sam was behind the camera in this photo, taking the picture. Congressman Paul previously served Texas in the United States House of Representatives beginning; April 3, 1976, to January 3, 1977; again on January 3, 1979 until January 3, 1985; and yet again from January 3, 1997, to January 3, 2013. Dr Paul, also an American physician, has sought the presidency on three separate occasions, as the Libertarian Party nominee in 1988 and as a candidate in the Republican primaries of 2008 and 2012.
Sam begins making both local & national news headlines!
It was December 31, 2011, when Sam cornered Governor Mitt Romney for the second time, to ask him about autism. The first time Sam and Governor Romney met, Sam was but five years old. Governor Romney was making a bid for the 2008 presidency. While he did not prevail in the 2008 presidential election, losing the GOP nod to Senator John McCain, he did go on to secure the Republican nomination for president during his 2012 campaign. Governor Romney did not win the 2012 presidential election, however. In the end, he and running mate Paul Ryan ineluctably lost the election to President Barack Obama, who secured a second term as president of the United States. Mitt Romney served as Governor of Massachusetts beginning on Jan 3, 2003, through January 4, 2007. He also holds claim to being the first Mormon to be a major party presidential nominee.
It is New Year's Day, 2012. By now, Sam is an old pro! When addressing Senator Rick Santorum, Sam is direct, succinct and without hesitation! Ascribing to the fact that Senator Santorum had also already very graciously accepted a United States of Autism t-shirt at the Iowa Straw Poll, he is pictured here, instead with a friend and fellow conservative, Allison Dreke, and Sam. Rick Santorum served the state of Pennsylvania first as their Congressman in the House of Representatives from January 3, 1991 until becoming their Senator on January 3, 1995. He then served the people of Pennsylvania until January 3, 2007. Senator Santorum has the distinction of being the Senate's ranking Republican from 2001 until 2007. Even though he had already won 11 caucuses and primaries, garnering nearly four million votes, Senator Santorum suspended his campaign on April 10, 2012. He went on to officially endorse Governor Mitt Romney as the Republican GOP for president on May 7, 2012.
On October 30, 2015, Sam once again spoke in length to Senator Rick Santorum regarding individuals with autism and their many diversified situations, needs and concerns.
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Sam had but one presidential candidate left to meet before the 2012 presidential election, President Barack Obama, himself! Sam always vowed he would one day see and meet the president, given the chance, and meet him he did!! In actuality, this was Sam's second encounter with Barack Obama. Sam had previously also taken advantage of meeting as well as speaking with then Senator Obama, while at a campaign stop in LeMars, Iowa, during the 2008 election. Senator Barack Obama went on to claim victory, securing the presidency In truth, meeting now President Obama at an event in Sioux City, IA, on September 1, 2012, was a long shot! Every star, all of the moons, each planet needed to align, and then......God smiled. Sam not only fulfilled his desire in meeting the president, he was grated his wish as well! On behalf of those with autism, Sam had the president's ear for a time! Quite some time had passed, since meeting with the GOP candidates. Thus, Sam's line of questioning changed once again. He was now able to practice his inquiry in advance, asking the recipient on the fly, unaided by a previously prepared, hand written question. Sam simply inquired of President Obama, if he would please join him in standing up for people with autism. He continued that he himself stands up for people with autism as he has autism, and although he is able to speak for himself, too many people with autism are not and someone needs to stand up for them as well.
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Sam had once again brought along a United States of Autism t-shirt. His plan was to give it as a gift to the president. As presidential protocol does not allow for anyone to give anything directly to the president, a presidential staffer received the gift for President Obama in his stead. She marked the shirt with a note as a gift for President Obama. After the event, upon reading the note and the shirt, President Obama realized who the gift was from, having met and spoken with Sam just minutes before. As a surprise, the President autographed and returned the United States of Autism shirt to Sam instead!
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Upon hearing Sam's request that he stand up for people with autism, President Obama responded to Sam that he already had planned to do just that. The President was insistent that he is well aware of how enormous an issue autism is today. Without hesitation, President Obama affirmed, "I have a plan." He thanked Sam for his courage in standing up for something he cares about as well as for taking the time to come and see him in person, to deliver his message face to face. Sam later wrote to President Obama with the hope our president might expand upon his plan to assist those with autism.
Below is our president's reply.
Below is our president's reply.
When it comes to political activism, Sam never plays favorites. He is always sure to reach out to both sides of the aisle! Sam is pictured here with Governor Tom Vilsack. Governor Vilsack has served as the United States Secretary of Agriculture since 2009, under President Barack Obama. Prior to his current appointment, he served the state of Iowa as their Governor from January 15, 1999, until January 12, 2007. This picture was taken at the same event where Sam met the president. Governor Vilsack was a guest speaker who had the distinguished honor of introducing President Obama.
This is reminiscent of a Democratic campaign event for former First Lady of Iowa, Christie Vilsack. On this beautiful summer evening, August 30, 2012, Mrs. Vilsack had stopped by a rural location near Boyden, Iowa. She was out and about, fundraising for her race against Congressman Steve King, for Iowa's fourth Congressional District, United States House of Representatives. In the end, she was not successful in unseating the Congressman. Christie Vilsack is a native Iowan, born and raised in Mount Pleasant. She has the honor of being the first of Sam's political marks to receive a pink United States of Autism shirt.
Sam has met Iowa's Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenient Governor Kim Reynolds on a few different occasions, both together as well as individually. He is always sure to ask them about autism and what more might they be doing to assist those who have it.
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On July 25, 2013, Sam Wessels was fortunate in speaking privately to Governor Terry Branstad of Iowa on behalf of individuals with autism and their families. This photo was taken directly after that meeting, in the Governor's formal office. Sam Wessels came well prepared to his meeting. He insisted of the Governor, autism has taken too many opportunities away from individuals with autism. We need to find a way to give them back!
This is by far not Sam's first encounter with Senator Dave Mulder. Senator Mulder served the state of Iowa from January 10, 2005, until not running for a second term, in the 2008 Iowa Senate elections. During his time as Senator in our district in Iowa, he and Sam became very well acquainted, meeting and talking on numerous occasions. On this day, September 21, 2007, we had invited Senator Mulder to visit Sam's kindergarten class to see but some of the struggles, challenges and difficulties students with autism face, in the education system. Senator Mulder was always more than generous with his time as well gracious. Senator Dave Mulder even went so far as to carry a picture of Sam in his Bible, that he might be reminded to keep him in his daily prayers. While in the Iowa State Senate, Dave Mulder served on numerous committees: the Agriculture committee; the Economic Growth committee; the Human Resources committee and the Education committee, where he was the ranking member. He is pictured here with Sam and Sam's mother, Lin Wessels, at their school.
Sam is pictured here with Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley. Senator Grassley is the senior United States Senator from Iowa, serving since January 3, 1981. Prior to serving in the Senate, Chuck Grassley served in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1975 to 1981. He also served from January 12, 1959, through January 12, 1975, in the Iowa House of Representatives. Senator Grassley has an extensive and impressive list of Senate committee assignments! He was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee from January to June 2001 and from January 2003 to December 2006. He is currently the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee. Sam and Senator Grassley first met on April 6, 2010, in Rock Rapids, Iowa.
Dwayne Alons is the Iowa State Representative from the fourth district, serving since January 11, 1999. Representative Alons serves on several committees in the Iowa House. He serves on the Agriculture, Economic Growth, and Judiciary Committees as well as serving as the chair of the Veterans Affairs committee. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations Subcommittee. Dwayne Alons is a retired Brigadier General in the Iowa Air National Guard and served as Chief of Staff at its headquarters. He is pictured here with Sam in Rock Rapids, Iowa, on October 21, 2010. In the least, this is not his first encounter with young Sam Wessels, however. He and Sam have met and spoken on numerous occasions concerning individuals with autism and their families. They know each other well!
We express deep sorrow for the loss of Representative Alons, who passed away on November 29, 2014, at the age of 68. We feel blessed for having known him.
We express deep sorrow for the loss of Representative Alons, who passed away on November 29, 2014, at the age of 68. We feel blessed for having known him.
On October 26, 2013, Sam met Senator Ted Cruz at a Defenders of Freedom function in Le Mars, Iowa. Senator Cruz was very pressed for time. He had a plane to catch, the next day being his youngest daughter's 3rd birthday. We were grateful for the few minutes he kindly shared with Sam. Rafael Edward "Ted" Cruz is the junior United States Senator for the state of Texas, beginning his term January 3, 2013. On November 14, 2012, Cruz was appointed vice-chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He also has the distinction of being the first Hispanic to be elected a U.S. Senator from Texas.
Senator Ted Cruz recently made national headline news for his symbolic "filibuster" to defund the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Knowing this, having watched a video of Senator Cruz reading Green Eggs and Ham on the Senate floor during his twenty-one hour long speech, Sam brought along his own copy of this classic by Dr. Seuss, hoping to have it autographed by the Senator. Green Eggs and Ham was one of Sam's first books. It was given to him as a Christmas gift from his parents, the month before his birth. Little did we know at the time, Sam would be born ten weeks early, at just thirty weeks gestation. What we did know however, was his name, Samuel Fisher. For the next six weeks, while in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), we read to Sam, "Green Eggs and Ham. Sam I am."
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Senator Cruz obliged Sam his wish. He signed his book for him. He inscribed it with a special message, "Sam, Always Stand For Liberty! Ted Cruz" |
Sam had a very special message of his own to share with Senator Ted Cruz. (See Below)
Although Sam has met with Congressman Steve King on a few different occasions, it never hurts to have another conversation concerning autism and those who live it! Representative King is the U.S. Representative for Iowa's 4th congressional district, serving in Congress since January 3, 2003. His committee assignments include: Appropriations, Business and Labor, Commerce, Judiciary, Oversight Budget (Vice Chair) and State Government (Chair). Steve King was also a member of the Iowa Senate from the 6th district. He served in that capacity from January 3, 1997, through January 3, 2003.
We do our best to stay in contact with the various politicians whom we have previously connected with. What better time to do that than the holidays?
Sam Wessels doing his thing! Rubbing shoulders with politicians. Congressman Steve King & Sam Wessels, October 30, 2015
Sam met Senator Joni Ernst for the first time at the Defenders of Freedom event in Le Mars, Iowa, on October 26, 2013. Ernst was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2011 and re-elected in 2012. She represents District 12. In the Iowa Senate, Ernst is a ranking member of the Education Standing Committee, and also serves on the Veteran Affairs, Appropriations, Rules & Administration and Human Resources Standing Committees. Ernst is also a member of the Administration & Regulation Budget Subcommittee. Senator Ernst proudly serves as a Lt. Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard.
In a matter of a few day's time, Senator Joni Ernst had sent this very thoughtful and personal response to Sam, having just met him the previous Saturday, October 26, 2013. Sam tends to have a profound effect on people. He touches hearts and changes lives anywhere and everywhere he goes! He is simply very sincere and genuine. People appreciate that about him. They also recognize how hard he works for his cause as well as for others!
On November 4, 2014, Joni Ernst was elected with 52% of the ballot share to represent Iowans in the United States Senate. She won with an 8.5% margin, won 75 of Iowa’s 99 counties, and all four of Iowa’s congressional districts – including her opponent’s home congressional district. Senator-elect Ernst is the first woman elected to serve in federal office from the state of Iowa, and will be the first female combat veteran to serve in the United States Senate. - See more at: http://www.joniforiowa.com/bio/#sthash.o6i5Kr4K.dpuf
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Senator David Johnson of Ocheyedan, Iowa, is an assistant republican leader. Senator Johnson was initially elected to the Iowa Senate in 2002. He won re-election in 2006 for a second term, and is presently serving his third consecutive term in the Iowa Senate. Johnson represents Senate District 1, which in addition to Osceola County includes Clay, Dickinson, Lyon and Palo Alto counties. Formerly chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Johnson is currently president of State Agriculture and Rural Leaders. The Senator carries the distinction of serving as the top Republican on the Senate Human Resources Committee, which addresses health and human services policy. In addition, he is a member of the Education and the Natural Resources and Environment committees, as well as the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee. Prior to securing a seat in the Iowa Senate, Johnson served Iowans in the Iowa House for four years.
 Autism activist Sam Wessels, 12, of Rock Rapids listens as Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky, answers his question about funding for autism research during a visit with party faithful Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, at the Woodbury County Republican headquarters in Sioux City. Paul has been mentioned as a potential Republican presidential candidate.
Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds
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It was August 4, 2014, in Sioux City, Iowa, that Sam met and questioned Senator Rand Paul. Randall Howard "Rand" Paul is the son of former U.S. Representative and presidential candidate Ron Paul of Texas. Senator Paul is the junior United States Senator for Kentucky and a member of the Republican party. He assumed office January 3, 2011. With increasing visibility and straw poll support, Paul is seen as a likely Republican front-runner in the 2016 presidential election.. He has expressed interest in the race, but has not formally announced a run. Rand Paul attended Drake University where he earned an M.D. in 1988. After completing his residency in 1993, Paul passed the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) boards on his first attempt in 1995, earning a board-certification under the ABO.
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Sam is back on the campaign trail on June 25, 2015, when he meets and questions GOP presidential hopeful Dr. Ben Carson.
Ben Carson overcame his troubled youth in inner-city Detroit to become a neurosurgeon famous for successfully separating conjoined twins. As a doctor, he became director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 33. In 2001, Dr. Carson was named by CNN and TIME Magazine as one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists. That same year, he was selected by the Library of Congress as one of 89 “Living Legends.” He is also the recipient of the 2006 Spingarn Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the NAACP. In June, 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush, the highest civilian honor in the land. |
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Meeting the Donald is a pretty big deal, but then so is meeting Sam Wessels!
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To date, this is a pretty accurate account of all of the political figures Sam has met and spoken with concerning autism. Not to fear! We most assuredly won't stop here!! We won't stop until we feel as though our concerns have been taken seriously, individuals' with autism needs are being properly met in order for them to lead happy and productive lives, our pleas have been both heard and answered, and the end to this modern day health crisis is well within sight! So, be sure to watch for more from Sam Wessels, a boy destined to change the world for the better!
If you are interested in helping to fund Sam in his efforts to effect change for individuals with autism and those who love and care for them, please follow this link: http://www.gofundme.com/73ysbg
Please don't forget to "like" and share Sam's pages as way of letting him know that you were here and how much you care!
Thank you for visiting Something for Sam!!
Please don't forget to "like" and share Sam's pages as way of letting him know that you were here and how much you care!
Thank you for visiting Something for Sam!!