Heartbreaking, inspiring story

Re “A teenage girl, a terrible injury and a will to recover,” Aug. 26

The article on Samantha Palumbo and her remarkable progress under such drastic conditions was, quite simply, alternately the most heartbreaking and inspiring story The Times has run on the front page in the last two decades.

While we all scurry about fretting over Paris Hilton and our Starbucks’ lattes, this young woman exhibits a strength and grace within a hell few of us can imagine. I hope her parents share this letter with her. There are those of us beyond your family and friends whose thoughts are with you.

Daren Bard

Santa Barbara