Samer Flaih

Type of Donation:       Kidney Recipient & Living Donor

Age and Location:      Age 55 – Goleta, CA

Date of Donation:           11/2017

Sponsor:                      Honored by Sanofi

SAMER’S STORY

Samer Flaih was born and raised in Homs, Syria, a city known for its rich history, close-knit families, and strong cultural traditions. Growing up, Samer developed a deep sense of responsibility and resilience—qualities shaped by both his environment and his upbringing. From a young age, he understood the importance of hard work, loyalty, and providing for those he cared about.

In 2007, Samer made one of the most significant decisions of his life: he moved to the United States in search of greater opportunity and safety. Leaving his home country and family behind was not easy, but he believed in building a stronger future for himself and his loved ones. Like many immigrants arriving in a new country, he started from the beginning with determination, taking on any work available to support his family both in the U.S. and in Syria.

Samer quickly became known for his reliability, humility, and unwavering work ethic. Whether working long hours, adapting to a new culture, or navigating challenges most people never see, he carried himself with patience and quiet strength. He has always been someone who leads through action, not words, showing his children the value of perseverance, honesty, and sacrifice.

Over the years, Samer has built a stable and meaningful life in America while staying deeply connected to his Syrian roots. He remains proud of where he comes from and grateful for the opportunities he has found. His journey reflects the courage shared by many who leave everything they know to create something better proving that success isn't just measured by career titles or achievements, but by the love, commitment, and resilience a person shows in their everyday life.

In 2017, after experiencing kidney failure and receiving a lifesaving kidney transplant, Samer made the courageous decision to regift this kidney when his body started rejecting it a few weeks after the transplant. This is how Samer became Brenda Johnson's living kidney donor with the kidney he received from Elmer Valenzuela. All three will be honored on the 2026 OneLegacy Donate Life float.