South Windsor Everyday Hero: Samantha Petersen, Teen Founder of SHIFT Scoliosis

Do you know someone making a difference in our community? Patch wants to tell their story in a new series we’re calling “Everyday Heroes.” We are looking to share inspirational and uplifting stories of people who work to change others’ lives for the better.

Today’s nominee was sent in by Catherine Kennedy.

Name of Everyday Hero

• Samantha Petersen

Relationship to the nominee

• Public Relations Officer

Details of good work

• “I’m writing to let you know about 17-year-old South Windsor resident, Samantha Petersen, who was just named a Hasbro Community Action Hero for her incredible volunteer efforts to create positive change in the community and the world. Samantha is the founder of the non-profit, SHIFT Scoliosis, an organization that seeks to eliminate the challenges associated with complex spinal diseases through education and connections to medical care. Being diagnosed with scoliosis herself, Samantha understood the personal hardships of being bullied and discriminated because of the disease.”

Why do you feel is this person an Everyday Hero?

• “She has received many awards for her work in bringing attention to an issue that is not commonly addressed. Not only is Samantha a local hero, but with this recognition she is now an inspiration to kids worldwide.”

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Do you know someone who is an “Everyday Hero?” Nominate them by following the instructions below.

Please answer the following questions:

1. Name of Everyday Hero
2. Your relationship to the nominee
3. Details of good work done or being done
4. Why do you feel is this person an Everyday Hero?

Email your answers, along with a jpeg photo, to wendy.mitchell@patch.com and your Everyday Hero could be featured!