Atypical Life. Extraordinary Love.
a Charity
with Heart
In 2019, Emily E. Lazarou, a General and Forensic Psychiatrist in suburban Tampa, held a Christmas party for her young twin daughters, Sami and Marigold. She invited all of Sami and Marigold’s classmates to attend. Half, including Sami herself, have Autism Spectrum (ASD) and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders while Marigold’s friends were all neurotypical children. Many of the parents of the children with Autism remarked they had felt excluded from parties in the past or felt too insecure to attend large gatherings due to the behaviors their child with ASD expressed. At Sami’s party, all 40 children interacted seamlessly as they enjoyed food, gifts, activities, and even an appearance by Santa himself.
That first party was so successful (measured by the smiles, hugs and giggles), it inspired Dr. Lazarou to create Santa Sami, Inc.—a charity dedicated to bringing smiles, socialization, and a happy Christmas to children who live with Autism and the families who love them.
Meet Sami
Sami was born at 34 weeks gestation. She was cared for in the NICU for a month before she was medically safe to be discharged. She and her twin sister Marigold are known together by the nickname “Samigold.” Sami has always been a strong-willed, loving, caring, empathic girl who loves art and music. She loves singing and dancing. She especially loves climbing, and she is an expert climber. Sami enjoys doing tricks on her lyra and performs all kinds of acrobatics in her sensory gym at mom’s home.
Meet Sami
Sami was born at 34 weeks gestation. She was cared for in the NICU for a month before she was medically safe to be discharged. She and her twin sister Marigold are known together by the nickname “Samigold.” Sami has always been a strong-willed, loving, caring, empathic girl who loves art and music. She loves singing and dancing. She especially loves climbing, and she is an expert climber. Sami enjoys doing tricks on her lyra and performs all kinds of acrobatics in her sensory gym at mom’s home.
The Annual Christmas Party
The Annual Santa Sami Party supports local children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families by providing a warm, Christmas-party atmosphere in the founder’s private home. It provides respite from the difficulties of day-to-day life and brings them into a fantasy world.
It’s a safe, enriching environment where local people touched by Autism can experience and share the magic, majesty and joy of Christmas.
Children who attend will receive VIP treatment as well as personalized Christmas presents specifically chosen for them with the help of their parents and teachers.
If you know a deserving family or special child with Autism that you believe could benefit from the gift of a happy Christmas – nominate them by filling out this form. Our board will go through the applications and select those who are especially deserving and would benefit from being a part of this joyous experience. We will then reach out to the families and care providers for each special child to fill Santa’s sack with gifts chosen specifically for them.
Do you want to see the impact your donation has made on the lives of these special children? Please follow us on our Facebook page to see videos and get updates from all of the children gifted this very special experience through Santa Sami, Inc.
Do you want to see the impact your donation has made on the lives of these special children? Please follow us on our Facebook page to see videos and get updates from all of the children gifted this very special experience through Santa Sami, Inc.