A Rare Life-Threatening Blood Disorder Brought Sam Teresi Closer to God

By Karen McBride

Published in the Dunndeal Gazettes June, 2024

Three years ago, Sam Teresi was introduced to “Amy”. However, this was not a pleasant introduction. “Amy” is the nickname Sam gave to the rare blood disorder that he was diagnosed with known as Amyloidosis. In fact, the disease is so rare many physicians have not even heard of it. It was not until Sam went to an oncologist at Moffitt that he was able to place the symptoms with the diagnosis for the disease.

His health battle began one day when he was playing tennis. He blacked out and within three months, he could barely walk. His symptoms were various, affecting his heart, liver, and kidneys. During this trial of visiting doctor after doctor with no clear prognosis, Sam and his wife Lin, prayed for God to give the doctor’s direction. One night, he heard a whisper from that small inner voice ‘the life is in the blood.’ He knew it was the Holy Spirit talking to him.

Another sign from God was when a lady at church shared that she had been praying for him. She thought it was cirrhosis of the liver as that was one of the misdiagnoses. She clearly heard ‘Sam has a blood disorder.’ At that time, they both knew the doctors were wrong in their diagnoses, as both were given direction by God that it was a blood disorder.

He shared these God moments with his hematologist, and the doctor said, “you keep those prayers coming in, because we are just doctors.”

Throughout more tests, God continued to speak to Sam. He heard “you will share my story” and “my name will be known.”

Sam and Lin’s daughter, Kara, began researching the disease, joining a support group, and time after time, she was directed to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It was at one of the support groups that she met a doctor who had Amyloidosis.

With the help of this physician, Sam was able to get an appointment at the clinic. As he was undergoing treatments, he continued to write in his journal, as he had done for many years. This journaling was different, though, as it led to him writing his first book.

“My journey with Amy” takes you through his journey with Amyloidosis. Sam shares how the power of faith, family, and fighting with God’s power would first uncover, and then destroy this unknown intruder that eluded doctors for eight months.

Because of answered prayers and going through chemotherapy, Sam is now in complete remission with no trace of the disease.

Sam’s book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Amy-Samuel-Teresi-III/dp/B0CKQ6NQ2Q

Photo caption: Sam and his wife, Lin.

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