sammi haney age
Introduction: Sammi Haney Age
Sammi Haney is a remarkable young actress, advocate, and entrepreneur who has captivated audiences with her talent, determination, and positive attitude. Best known for her role as Esperanza in Netflix’s hit series Raising Dion, Sammi is an inspiration to many, especially within the disabled community. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta (also known as brittle bone disease), she has faced numerous physical challenges throughout her life. However, her spirit and enthusiasm have made her a strong voice for disability representation in the entertainment industry.
This detailed article will explore Sammi Haney’s age, her background, her rise to fame, personal challenges, advocacy efforts, and more. We’ll also dive into other aspects of her life, such as her net worth, and business ventures, giving you a full picture of this inspirational young star.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Diagnosis
Sammi Haney’s Age and Birth
Sammi Haney was born in 2010, making her 14 years old in 2024. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, where she lives with her parents, Priscilla and Matt Haney, and her siblings. Her birth came with challenges, as she was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic disorder characterized by extremely fragile bones that break easily. Even before her birth, Sammi had suffered multiple fractures while still in the womb, which doctors detected through prenatal tests. Despite the early diagnosis, her parents were determined to raise her with love, support, and normalcy.
Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, is a genetic condition that affects the body’s production of collagen, a key component in maintaining strong and healthy bones. As a result, individuals with OI often suffer from frequent fractures and bone deformities. Sammi’s form of the disease is considered severe, with over 100 fractures throughout her life, sometimes occurring from basic movements such as sneezing, rolling over in bed, or light impact.
Although Sammi’s condition presents significant challenges, including bone fragility, dental issues, and lung complications, she has not let her disability hinder her ambitions. Her positive outlook on life has allowed her to succeed in the entertainment world and beyond.
Breakthrough Role in Raising Dion
Sammi Haney’s rise to fame began in 2019 when she was cast in Netflix’s original series Raising Dion. Her role as Esperanza Jimenez, Dion’s best friend and an intelligent, sassy girl who also uses a wheelchair, has made her a household name. Esperanza quickly became a fan-favorite character due to her strong personality, witty one-liners, and unwavering loyalty to Dion, the show’s young protagonist.
The Casting Process
Sammi’s casting in Raising Dion was unique because the show’s creators specifically sought out an actress with a real-life disability to accurately portray the role of Esperanza. In her audition, Sammi impressed everyone with her charisma and humor. Esperanza’s character is defined not by her disability but by her resilience, humor, and courage—qualities that reflect Sammi’s own life. In interviews, Sammi has expressed her joy in playing a character who is so well-rounded, rather than being defined solely by her medical condition.
Impact of the Role
The role of Esperanza in Raising Dion allowed Sammi to make a significant impact on disability representation in mainstream media. Unlike most roles that often portray disabled characters in a sympathetic or tragic light, Sammi’s character is portrayed as confident, fun, and multidimensional. Sammi’s portrayal of Esperanza proved that actors with disabilities can take on central roles and help change the narrative about people with disabilities in entertainment.
Sammi Haney’s Advocacy Work
Beyond acting, Sammi is a passionate advocate for disability rights and representation. She uses her platform to raise awareness about osteogenesis imperfecta and other disabilities, promoting the importance of inclusion and diversity in the entertainment industry and everyday life.
Launching DisabilityShirts.com
In addition to her acting career, Sammi Haney launched her own business, DisabilityShirts.com, with the help of her family. The site sells custom-designed t-shirts with messages promoting disability awareness, acceptance, and empowerment. Some of the popular slogans on the shirts include:
- “Not All Heroes Wear Capes”
- “Diversity is Not Charity”
- “Disabled People Can Do Anything”
The venture began as a way to address misconceptions about disabilities and to empower individuals with disabilities. Sammi’s father, Matt Haney, helps with the designs, and her business has grown steadily since its inception, gaining attention for its empowering and positive message.
Role as a Disability Advocate
Sammi frequently speaks about the need for more representation of people with disabilities in the media. She believes that actors with disabilities should be cast in more roles, especially in characters where their disability is not the defining trait. Sammi hopes to encourage other young people with disabilities to pursue their dreams, whether in acting or other fields.
Managing Health and Career
Medical Treatments and Challenges
Due to her condition, Sammi has had to undergo numerous surgeries and medical treatments. She receives bone-strengthening infusions that help manage the fractures and rods placed in her limbs to stabilize her bones. Despite these physical challenges, Sammi has learned to navigate her health while balancing her busy career and school life.
Family Support
Sammi’s family plays a crucial role in her life, especially in helping her manage her career and health. Her father, Matt Haney, has been her greatest supporter, handling her business and ensuring that she gets the medical care she needs. The Haney family is incredibly close-knit, and their love and support have been vital to Sammi’s success.
Sammi Haney Net Worth
As of 2024, Sammi Haney’s net worth is estimated to be around $300,000 – $500,000. This figure takes into account her earnings from her acting roles, her business DisabilityShirts.com, and her other public appearances. Her role in Raising Dion has been her primary source of income, along with merchandise sales from her t-shirt line. Given her increasing popularity and the potential for future projects, it is expected that Sammi’s net worth will continue to grow.
Future Earnings Potential
Given her young age and growing fanbase, Sammi Haney has a bright future ahead of her. As she continues to act and expand her advocacy work, her earnings potential could increase significantly. There are also rumors of her being cast in other TV shows and movies, which could further boost her career and income.
Future Aspirations
Despite her young age, Sammi has already achieved so much in her life. However, she continues to set new goals for herself. In interviews, she has expressed interest in continuing her acting career, but she also has aspirations beyond acting. Sammi has shown interest in creative writing, art, and public speaking, all of which could provide her with new opportunities in the future.
Educational Goals
Sammi and her family also emphasize the importance of education. While pursuing her acting career, Sammi continues her schooling and plans to explore different fields of study in the future. Whether it’s through her artistic endeavors or furthering her education, Sammi is committed to using her talents to make a difference in the world.
Sammi Haney’s Impact on Disability Representation
One of the most important contributions Sammi Haney has made is her impact on how people with disabilities are represented in the media. Through her role in Raising Dion, her advocacy work, and her public speaking, Sammi has shown that people with disabilities can lead fulfilling, successful lives and that they deserve to be seen and heard in all areas of life, including television, film, and business.
Breaking Stereotypes
In her interviews, Sammi has frequently spoken about how people with disabilities are often cast in stereotypical roles or are left out of major productions altogether. Her portrayal of Esperanza was a bold step in the right direction, showing that characters with disabilities can be multidimensional, funny, and strong, just like anyone else.
Promoting Inclusivity in Hollywood
Sammi’s message is clear: inclusion matters. She believes that people with disabilities should be given more opportunities in Hollywood, not only to play characters with disabilities but also to take on roles that highlight their talents. Her work continues to inspire both children and adults with disabilities to follow their dreams.
Conclusion
At just 14 years old, Sammi Haney has already made an indelible mark on the world through her acting, advocacy, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Her role in Raising Dion brought her international recognition, but it is her courage, positive attitude, and determination to break barriers for people with disabilities that truly set her apart.
Sammi’s journey serves as an inspiration to many, and her story is a reminder that disability does not define a person. As she continues to grow and succeed, Sammi Haney will undoubtedly remain a powerful voice for inclusivity, representation, and empowerment for years to come.
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