In Support of Kelly Samuels

Help Me Rebuild After a Violent Assault
I WILL SMILE AGAIN!!

I never imagined I would find myself asking for help like this.

On July 25th, 2026, I became the victim of a violent assault that has left me with a shattered jaw, multiple broken teeth and some life changing injuries along with a broken heart.

The attack has been reported to law enforcement and the San Diego District Attorney's Office has accepted the criminal case for prosecution.

I underwent emergency surgery at Scripps/Mercy Hoispital to repair what is left of my jaw which is now wired shut for 6 weeks.  After my jaw heals, I face additional reconstructive procedures including bone grafts and replacing the teeth and palate that were shattered during the assault. Until then, I am limited to a liquid diet and I am focused on healing one day at a time.

I have always worked hard to support myself and my family.

As a self-employed hairstylist, musician and healer, my career depends on my ability to communicate comfortably, stand or sit for long hours, to see, to be creative, inspired, connected to spirit, hold ground while I tap into the energy of those around me and to provide up close, personal care to my clients, friends, family and planet. My very job is to remind others not to postpone joy, to smile, to heal, to be with their experience of life and celebrate the best, to remeber that life is beautiful.

Right now, I cannot do these things effectively.
I must tend to my own healing first, which I am sure you know, is not exactly my strong suit.

Every appointment I have had to miss is income that simply disappears, while my mortgage, utilities, insurance and other essential bills continue. 

To make this even more difficult, the medical team that performed my surgery was outside of my insurance network and I expect some pretty significant medical and dental expenses. I was already navigating a divorce from my partner of 16 years and taking on the financial responsibilities of that was stretching me to work more than ever before and now this adds another layer of financial uncertainty during an already overwhelming chapter of my life.

I am asking for help covering the essentials while I recover :

-Rent and household bills
-Groceries and nutritional supplements needed for a liquid diet
-Time and transportation to medical appointments
-Medical, dental, vision and specialist medical expenses not covered by my insurance
-Basic living expenses until I can return to work
-Legal representation costs
-Some time to grieve and receive 
-Therapies to address the trauma of not just surviving this, but thriving

This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to write. I've always stubbornly taken pride in earning my own way and being the one to take care of others. I have been self-employed since I was 18 years old, have raised two amazing children to adulthood and never compromised my belief that the people in my life are the ultimate gift, worthy of the best in me all ways, always.

I am looking forward to the day when I can return to reconnect with my clients and friends and rebuild my business to support all of us better.

If you are able to contribute, no matter how big or small, your kindness and generosity will help give me the time I need to heal without the fear of losing my tenuous financial footing. 

I chose this support registry because already so many amazing people have reached out to lend their support and love and good energy, and I am pretty sure that is why I am fortunate enough to be here at all right now. Many have asked what they can do to help me, and to be honest, I wasn't even sure what to say. As I heal each day and my clarity returns, I realize, I cannot do this alone. My fundraising goal is to have a 2-3 months of living expenses covered and assistance with the out of pocket medical and legal costs of this recovery.

This Support Registry is built to give clear direction to everyone who wants to help me on my healing journey and give me a place to communicate with everyone.

Whether you’re willing to give money, send nutritional support, or lend a hand, your support makes a real difference in my life. I intend to come back so strong that you will receive more coming back to you than you could possibly give!

Those who would like to help can:

Thank you for believing in me, standing beside me, and helping me move forward from this life changing experience. I am deeply grateful for every act of support, encouragement and compassion.
Despite the pain of this experience, I still believe in US. Each and everyone. No one and nothing can ever take that from me, ever. It seems to be the lesson we are all learning right now.