Transcript: Passion meets purpose – Sam’s Legacy

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TRANSCRIPT

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (length: 5 minutes)

[Narrator]
Sam Schumacher, son of Spacelabs employee Corrie Schumacher, lived just 22 years. But in that short time, he left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met.

[Corrie Schumacher]
Sam wasn’t just the best friend to each of his friends. He was that kid that all the moms and dads loved. Sam had an amazing way of connecting with people, of making them feel seen.

[Narrator]
Between his volunteer work with people with special needs and his thrill for life, Sam brought joy and kindness wherever he went. But no one could have imagined the legacy he would leave behind.

Summer of 2019, Sam’s life was tragically cut short in a motorcycle accident.

[Corrie Schumacher]
Being in the trauma ICU at Harborview was overwhelming. That’s where I saw the nurses and the staff who give everything for their patients in action. In the hardest moments of my life, they were there. It was really hard for everybody to comprehend. Sam was gone. When you’re in the hospital and realize the reality of the situation, the conversation about organ donation is surreal. I think the best decision Sam ever made was to be an organ donor. It was perfectly fitting for the young man who always did so much for others.

[Narrator]
Sam was a registered organ donor, though it wasn’t something his family had ever discussed.

[Corrie Schumacher]
Sam’s gift gave us a little more time with him. It was the hardest thing, but knowing he would live on, that gave us peace.

[Narrator]
During her time at the hospital, Corrie leaned on her experiences and relationships from her work at Spacelabs Healthcare, where her connection to ICU and trauma care runs deep.

[Corrie Schumacher]
Years later, I had the opportunity to speak with a group of trauma ICU nurses. Some of them were even there during Sam’s time at the hospital.

Because of working in the environment I do, I was able to talk with them with an understanding of the complexity and the nuances of everything that they do. I could share with them the gain after loss.

At Spacelabs, it’s not just something we say, that we’re family. During that whole situation, my Spacelabs family was grieving with me. Even if they weren’t standing right there, I know that they were there with me the whole time.

[Narrator]
Although they’d never discussed organ donation, Sam’s family knew that giving to others was who he was. They made the decision, knowing he would have wanted to make one final, lasting impact.

[Corrie Schumacher]
Him being an organ donor gave us extra time. Time for family and friends to come and see him in the hospital. And for me, as his mom, that extra time to love on him a few more days is something I’ll always treasure.

[Narrator]
One of the lives Sam saved was that of Jeff Siddiqui, a husband and father whose heart was failing. The gift of Sam’s heart gave Jeff a second chance.

[Jeff Siddiqui]Seeing Sam’s photo for the first time was overwhelming. I carry his heart and that connection has changed me forever.

[Corrie Schumacher]
It’s overwhelming. The pride, joy, and grief. Sam brought so much life, and it’s perfect that he’s still bringing life in his passing.

[Narrator]
Corrie has turned her journey into a mission, finding purpose in sharing Sam’s story and inspiring others to consider organ donation.

[Corrie Schumacher]
I get to provide the tools and help develop the language for our sales organization. To convey the value of our products and how they provide better workflows for nurses so that they can spend more time with their patients.

Even though I’m not directly involved with patient care, I know I’m making a difference. I’ve had people come up to me and say that they became organ donors because I shared a message.

I’m proud to be Corrie with Spacelabs, sharing a message of hope in a situation that, out of tragedy, brings life to others.

[Narrator]
Sam Schumacher’s heart beats on. He gave the ultimate gift in the lives he saved. His story reminds us all that life is precious and that one selfless act can change everything. He not only made an impact through his actions, but for his mother, who works daily to spread and share his story and work alongside a company that can also help make an impact.

[Corrie Schumacher]
Working here at Spacelabs has given me leverage to engage in conversations with health care workers, to speak candidly about organ donation and what families go through, because I went through it. I feel like I belong in some way, and though it’s tough some days, the loss is always there. I’m so proud of Sam, and in a way, I get to work with him every day.