Hi, I’m Amari Smith.
I’m a 22-year-old advocate for individuals with disabilities. I was born with Cerebral Palsy after complications at birth, including loss of oxygen to my brain and meconium aspiration.
I had to undergo ECMO treatment for 10 days and I was only a few weeks old. The survival rate of the surgery was less than 10%.. The odds were stacked against me—but because of God, I survived even though my heart and lungs were shut down for 10 days.
I had a stroke while on ECMO. I couldn’t use the left side of my body and it affected by hearing, speech, and other parts of my brain. Doctors told my mom I wouldn’t be able to hear, speak, walk, etc.
Despite those challenges I am still here. I graduated high school at 22 with a B+ average and earned a merit-based scholarship. I was accepted into Northern Illinois University, but I’m excited to continue my journey closer to home by applying to a selective college program for students with disabilities at Richard J. Daley College.
I love being a part of Spark Social so I can empower others with disabilities like me and give back to our elders.
I also love to dance and am currently developing a disability-inclusive dance I hope will go viral.
I want the world to see that disability is not inability—we can do anything.
5 Things About Me
At just 3 weeks old, I survived after having my heart and lungs shut off for 10 days while on ECMO treatment.
The doctors said I would never be able to hear well or speak well.
My left arm doesn’t work well, but somehow, I’ve been able to excel in swimming and basketball.
I love to dance (especially bopping with D-Low)
I am the Director of Inspiration at Spark Social Inc.
Spark Social, INC d/b/a Spark Love is an Illinois Corporation operating through a fiscal sponsorship with As One We Can Foundation, an Illinois charitable organization recognized by IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 26–3631447)
Connect with us
(708) 480-1498
