We often ask members of our PALS Family "Why PALS?" to learn how our mission has impacted their lives. Long-time PALS participant Sam Heller shares his story on why his leadership role at PALS is important for him and why he hopes more people will join PALS. Here's his story!

Dear PALS Family,

“I enjoy being a leader at PALS because I like working with people, helping them become more independent, and getting more people involved with PALS!”

My name is Sam and I have been going to PALS for 16 years. I am a PALS Self-Advocacy Affinity Group Leader, and in the past, I have been a PALS Ambassador and a Camp PALS Support (CPS) leader. My leadership role means that I am responsible and attend every meeting. These roles are a good experience for me, meeting new people and making friends. I enjoy being a leader at PALS because I like working with people, helping them become more independent and getting more people involved with PALS!

It’s important for PALS to have leaders both with and without Down syndrome because PALS can teach them more life skills, and we can work together. When my sister was in high school, we started going to PALS together, and since then, it got bigger! PALS helps a lot of people and leadership helps them to get involved with PALS. It is so much fun; planning out activities, it’s a very good experience!

PALS Love,

Sam Heller

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! We'll be sharing news and resources all month, including the opportunity to become a leader at PALS. Want to learn more? Let us know by emailing support@palsprograms.org. Thank you for being a part of the PALS family!