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The Foundation

OUR MISSION

To celebrate the act of giving to those with Autism who cannot ask for themselves.

OUR VISION

To create hope in the lives of Autistic children and the families who love them until we can find a cure. The holiday season is a season of miracles and we believe that providing socialization, support and love to this population through a singular magical experience can create a foundation for success in these children’s lives. 

Autism is an illness of misunderstanding. Typical people don’t understand what an Autistic person experiences and vice versa. Because of this foundational lack of awareness and miscommunication – the child with Autism is lost. The Autistic child’s natural inclination is to disappear from this world, into themselves. Our organization will join these worlds through a universal holiday which celebrates the miracle of life. Through this shared experience – we will not only provide a place where there are no perceived differences, but we will celebrate and spotlight those who have differences to educate the general population that people with Autism are not too different from themselves. But that in their differences there are gifts if one takes a moment to look for them and nurture them. 

Santa Sami will use the donations to provide a happy Christmas to these children and their families. Donations will range from buying everything on their Christmas wish list to providing local public schools who specialize in educating these children the tools that they will need to do that effectively. Families of Autistic children who have a financial burden because many of the treatments are not covered by health insurance could possibly be gifted a broken appliance they haven’t replaced in lieu of treatment for their child. A therapy that they simply cannot afford may be scholarshipped for a year. Private gymnastic lessons so that the gymnasium is free from distraction so that a child with these skills can be taught a sport which will elevate their self-esteem is another example of something Santa Sami could scholarship for a year. Funding private swim lessons or self-defense classes for this special population could provide essential lifesaving skills to these children who otherwise wouldn’t have access to that possibility. There are limitless possibilities with the help of our donors and we will continue to show our donors how their money is being spent through our webpage and social media.

The Foundation

OUR MISSION

To celebrate the act of giving to those with Autism who cannot ask for themselves.

OUR VISION

To create hope in the lives of Autistic children and the families who love them until we can find a cure. The holiday season is a season of miracles and we believe that providing socialization, support and love to this population through a singular magical experience can create a foundation for success in these children’s lives. 

Autism is an illness of misunderstanding. Typical people don’t understand what an Autistic person experiences and vice versa. Because of this foundational lack of awareness and miscommunication – the child with Autism is lost. The Autistic child’s natural inclination is to disappear from this world, into themselves. Our organization will join these worlds through a universal holiday which celebrates the miracle of life. Through this shared experience – we will not only provide a place where there are no perceived differences, but we will celebrate and spotlight those who have differences to educate the general population that people with Autism are not too different from themselves. But that in their differences there are gifts if one takes a moment to look for them and nurture them. 

Santa Sami will use the donations to provide a happy Christmas to these children and their families. Donations will range from buying everything on their Christmas wish list to providing local public schools who specialize in educating these children the tools that they will need to do that effectively. Families of Autistic children who have a financial burden because many of the treatments are not covered by health insurance could possibly be gifted a broken appliance they haven’t replaced in lieu of treatment for their child. A therapy that they simply cannot afford may be scholarshipped for a year. Private gymnastic lessons so that the gymnasium is free from distraction so that a child with these skills can be taught a sport which will elevate their self-esteem is another example of something Santa Sami could scholarship for a year. Funding private swim lessons or self-defense classes for this special population could provide essential lifesaving skills to these children who otherwise wouldn’t have access to that possibility. There are limitless possibilities with the help of our donors and we will continue to show our donors how their money is being spent through our webpage and social media.

The Board

Emily Lazarou, MD, DNBPAS, MS, RD: Founder, President and Sami’s mom

Dr. Lazarou is a double Board Certified General and Forensic Psychiatrist who has maintained a thriving solo private practice since 2008. Dr. Lazarou’s clinical focus includes Personality Disorders, Medical conditions which manifest themselves as Psychiatric disorders, PTSD, Autism and other behavioral disorders. In her private practice, Dr. Lazarou treats patients in all age groups with psychotherapy and medication management. In Dr. Lazarou’s Forensic practice, she educates juries and the court system about the interaction between Psychiatry and the Law. While maintaining her busy practice, Dr. Lazarou also has the honor of being a single mom to two beautiful sets of twins, ages 5 (Izrael “Izzy” and Ivy Lee) and 8 (Samigold). For fun, Dr. Lazarou enjoys creating art, reading, and her Peloton.

Sema Yildirim, Esq.: Vice President

Sema Yildirim graduated with distinction from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia and earned her Juris Doctorate law degree from the prestigious Stetson University College of Law. While studying law, Sema was a member of the outstanding International Moot Court Board and successfully competed against national and international law schools. Her education and training have served as the foundation for Sema’s successful law practice. For the past 15 years, Sema has helped people from all walks of life. She is passionate about fiercely representing her clients and is a staunch advocate for women’s rights, father’s rights, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community. She takes pride in mentoring young attorneys who reach out to her and guides them in her area of practice. She also frequently makes herself available to answer family law and immigration law-related questions when more seasoned fellow attorneys (who practice in other areas of law) call in need of help. To Sema the practice of law is a passion—not a job. Sema and Emily met doing a Christmas charity together years ago.

Megan Lazarou, MBA: Secretary

Aside from being a high-powered businesswoman, Megan is the proud Aunt of Sami and devoted sister to President and Founder, Emily Lazarou. Megan has two children of her own that are successful in their owns rights. Her son, Adam Elkahdem has already written and published a successful book about a cartoon of his own creation, Octave. Her daughter, Allie Elkhadem is interested in Neurology. She has recently graduated from Brown University and is considering Medical School. Megan is passionate about many causes including animal welfare, children’s causes, the environment, and Human Rights.
Donate Now

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.

the-foundation-reindeer
Donate Now

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.

the-foundation-reindeer