An important phone call can bring news of a new job, medical results, or an update about a loved one. For Marquita Sams, it meant the possibility of a life with less pain and more time. Sams was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in 2002 at 17 years old during a routine physical the summer before leaving for college. “I was young when I was faced with living with a chronic illness and the possibility of death,” Sams said. “I had just seen my father nearly face death. I was afraid. But I had a lot of goals, hopes, and dreams.”
That determination pushed her to pursue those dreams with urgency. As a professional dancer, she had to learn to prioritize her health by properly taking care of her body through food and exercise. The physical demands of dance required care beyond what many of her peers experienced. Over time, Sams also learned the importance of asking for support. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to dealing with any illness,” she said. “I spent a lot of time grappling with shame about having PSC and didn’t tell people. But there were times when I needed support. I had good friends who took care of me. I wish I hadn’t felt like I needed to hide my illness.”
After receiving a liver transplant in December 2016, Sams faced a four-month recovery period. The process was physically and mentally challenging. “Recovery was hard, mentally and physically,” she said. “Even after I physically recovered, I still had to take it easy. I was off work and couldn’t be around large groups because I was immunocompromised.”
Following her transplant, Sams embraced her renewed health with purpose. She founded a nonprofit to raise awareness about organ donation, married, became a mother, and transitioned into a new career as a therapist and social worker. She also launched Miracles in Motion, a healing practice that integrates movement, therapy, and spiritual wellness, and published an e-book, “A Real Talk Survival Guide for Women with Chronic Illness.”
“My family has always been my biggest champion,” Sams said. “My parents have gotten me through a lot of hard times. My brother, Marques, has always been there with encouragement. My brother, Marcellus, and my extended family visited me while I was at the Mason House in Atlanta during recovery. It was during the holiday season, and it meant so much that they came.”
Nearly a decade later, Sams is once again waiting for a transplant as a result of recurring PSC. She now approaches the journey with perspective and faith. “I spend time with my family and try to stay present,” she said. “I focus on keeping myself as healthy as possible and not getting too stressed. I focus on my mental health. I know that whatever happens, I have support and I am resilient. I’ve been through this before, and I can do it again. I am hopeful that my life after transplant will be full of love and life.”
Now a therapist/social worker, Sams encourages others facing chronic illness to seek professional and community support.
“When I was younger, therapy was not something that was readily offered,” she said. “Now, I strongly recommend that anyone living with chronic illness or going through a transplant journey seek therapy and group support. You do not have to carry it alone.”
For more information about Sams’ journey, visit www.marquitasams.com.