April 2025 ~ Having been a board member of the Carberry and Area Community Foundation, Hazel McMillan says she was well aware of the good work accomplished by the foundation’s support of many projects in our community.

Hazel and her family decided to create the McMillan-Ashby Fund in memory of Samantha, to provide support for people in our community living with mental and physical disabilities. Sam was born and raised in Calgary and benefitted from many supports available in the larger community.

Samantha suffered a stroke at four weeks of age which led to significant brain damage and a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy with a seizure disorder. Despite never being able to walk or talk and having numerous health issues, Sam led a full and joyful life. Thanks to the availability of specialized equipment and care aids, Sam took trips to the mountains, Disneyworld and spent a lot of time at Grandma and Grandpa's in Carberry.

Samantha loved the simple pleasures in life such as the wind blowing in her face while in the boat with Grandpa, a bubble bath in Grandma’s jetted tub and cuddles in the big chair. No matter what your mood, her sweet smile and infectious giggle couldn’t help but brighten your day. It was this unending joy that made her impact on others immeasurable.

It is the McMillan and Ashby’s desire to provide some help to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities in this smaller community of Carberry and area.

Grants from the McMillan-Ashby Fund will be available beginning in the spring of 2026. Grants may improve accessibility, provide equipment and devices, supply educational toys, and any other purposes that the Carberry and Area Community Foundation Inc. board of directors see fit, to provide community supports for those with mental and physical disabilities.

Sam with mom, Penny

Sam and Grandpa Terry