The following is the original story that was told in September 2007 by Ms. Calzada, and the email went around the nation, and even the world:

The tiniest moments in life can change us forever. Sam changed me. One breezy September morning, something made me take a different route to work. As I approached my final destination, something caught my attention that made me turn my head. There was a large "Open" flag blowing in the wind, and it was bolted to a bright little stand that said "More than coffee". Without hesitation, that little voice inside instructed me to stop for my daily coffee. As I pulled my car to the window, I saw the smiling face of Sam Malek. As I ordered my Caffe Mocha, I asked Sam about his coffee stand. Little did I know the impact the next several minutes would have on my life. Here is Sam Malek's Story as I understand it....

He was born in Egypt two months premature, and was literally disposed of in a trashcan until he was discovered. You see, Sam has Cerebral Palsy. In his early childhood he was brought to America to learn to walk, and he spent his childhood and teenage years being raised by Shriners. During his life, Sam has undergone 29 operations, and the last one occurred within the past couple of years, in which he was given less than a 10% chance to live. They said he would never leave that hospital bed... Well, Sam did! He said he knew God hadn't finished his work with him here on earth.

About 4 months ago, Sam felt led to open this little coffee stand, and he took out a second mortgage on his home. As an entrepreneur, I understand the challenges of a start-up operation, and it did not surprise me when Sam said things were slow. He has remained in the red, but he is still keeping the faith. He knows in his heart he is meant to be in that little coffee shop, and he is employing other disabled people, trying to show them the value of working and good customer service.

As I drove away that fall morning, I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, why my guardian angel had led me down a different path to work that day. After 10 minutes of talking to Sam, I thanked God for all he has brought me through, all that he is doing, and all that is yet to be done.

"To Sam... Thank you for letting me see the world through your eyes for a moment in time."

- Laurie Calzada -


What is Sam's Day?

Sam needs you, and you need Sam. Please take time out of your day on Friday, October 19th, 2007 to go see Sam. Can you forget your own schedules, your own worries, your own trials, and your own plans to come help someone who is trying to make a difference in the world?

As an organization, consider giving extended lunches and late arrivals to allow your employees to visit Sam for either breakfast or lunch. As a manager, take a team field trip. As a parent, bring your children to teach them the value of giving rather than receiving. Empower yourself and the people around you to step out of their own shoes, and walk in someone else's for a moment in time.

Sam will give you caffeine for your body, but more importantly, he will give you a dose of inspiration for your soul. Bring your co-workers, your loved ones, and your dearest friends.

Come help us make a difference in a man's life named Sam!