STAND WITH DAVID: Overcoming Spinal Injury

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STAND WITH DAVID: Overcoming Spinal Injury

On April 23rd, 16 year old David Sample fractured his C6 vertebrae and underwent an 8½-hour surgery to fuse C4 through C7.

He is now receiving intensive rehab at Craig Hospital in Colorado, a leading spinal cord injury hospital.

07/07/2026

Recovery is made up of hundreds of ordinary moments that most people never see. Today was one of those days.

David took 100 steps on his own using a gait trainer at his therapy today. Beyond walking, he continues practicing everyday skills that many of us take for granted, including transferring in and out of a vehicle without relying on a slide board whenever possible. He came home from therapy genuinely excited about the progress he made today. Those moments are worth celebrating because they represent months of consistency, hard work, and refusing to quit.

This past weekend, David also had the opportunity to preach at church, sharing part of his story and speaking on the topic of loneliness, a topic he has connected with intimately throughout this past year. His message wasn’t just about what he’s been through, it was about finding hope and purpose in the middle of difficult seasons. If you’d like to hear his message, the link is shared in the comments. David begins speaking at approximately the 51-minute mark.

Thank you for continuing to follow his journey. We’re grateful to have you along for the road ahead.

06/28/2026

Recovery doesn’t always happen in big leaps. More often, it’s measured in small milestones that add up over time.

This week, David reached a new personal best by taking 102 steps using a specialized gait trainer during physical therapy. Since returning home from Craig Hospital, he has continued attending physical therapy two to three times each week, putting in the work to improve his strength, balance, and mobility.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned through this journey is that recovery is rarely linear. There are good days, challenging days, and unexpected breakthroughs. David continues to approach each one with determination and a willingness to keep working.

Thank you for following along and encouraging him as he continues writing this next chapter.

01/28/2026

David had two physical therapy sessions this week, and his progress is becoming more visible. During one morning session, he trialed a gait trainer that allows him to practice walking while supported, without being attached to an overhead harness. In the video, you can see his legs engaging and initiating movement on their own.

Ina second therapy session at Total Motion Physical Therapy, David pushed himself through a challenging strength session. He completed three full bridge holds, each lasting a full minute. On the final set, additional weight was added. He struggled at first, but stayed focused and completed the movement.

He also worked through progressive leg extensions with ankle weights, increasing steadily through each set and finishing with a weight that would have been out of reach just weeks ago. The improvement since his last session was significant.

Recovery is built one session at a time. Progress does not always come all at once, but consistency, effort, and determination matter. David continues to show all three.

Thank you for following his journey and for standing with him as he works toward greater independence.

01/11/2026

During David’s time at Craig Hospital, a song called “Flowers” by Samantha Ebert and Seph Schlueter was shared with him by close friends as a source of encouragement. It became a quiet reminder during a very difficult season that hope can still take root, even when life changes overnight.

This weekend, David had the opportunity to perform that same song at church alongside one of his friends. Being on stage, sharing music that has carried him through some of his hardest days, marked a powerful moment of growth and resilience.

David’s journey has been shaped by determination, faith, and a steady willingness to keep moving forward, even when the road is uncertain. Moments like this remind us that healing is not only physical. It is also found in purpose, community, and the courage to keep showing up.

Thank you for continuing to follow David’s story and for standing with him as he works toward independence and recovery.

01/04/2026

Happy New Year from our home to yours.

Good things that truly matter take a little time, and we are hopeful that in just over a week we’ll finally all be under one roof.

Thank you for all of your support this past year, it has meant the world to our family.

12/26/2025

Standing here and reminding Mom and Andrew that I am taller. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and thank you for your support over the past year. It is truly appreciated.

12/05/2025

This fall, David got to ride Travis’s tandem bike, the one she used to ride with her late husband, Keith. It was a really special moment.
Because of his spinal cord injury, he can’t regulate his body temperature well, so cooler weather means riding is on pause. But come spring, he’ll be back on that bike.
Something great to look forward to.

12/04/2025

David continues his therapy every day, and we’re so grateful for the progress he’s making. He has been blessed with the opportunity to stay at our friend Travis Reardon's home while the house is being remodeled. Her home is fully equipped for wheelchair accessibility, a dedicated therapy room, a pool therapy room, and much more. All of which have made this journey so much easier.
She has also become an active part of his therapy—encouraging him, guiding him, and working right alongside him. David works hard, and she works just as hard to support him. It has truly been a team effort, and we couldn’t be more thankful.

Address

Milton-Freewater, OR
97862

Website

http://brentoliver541.org/

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