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High school graduate gets her diploma walking next to the man who she says saved her life

High school graduate gets her diploma walking next to the man who she says saved her life
PICNIC THEIR OVER THE HOLIDAY. IQ FOR THAT. WALKING ACROSS THE STAGE TO GET THAT DIPLOMA IS A BIG MOMENT FOR ALL OF YOU GRADUATES OUT THERE. TAKE A LOOK AT THIS SPECIAL ONE. [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] LORI: IT IS A HUGE DAY FOR THIS HERSHEY HIGH GRADUATE AT THE GIANT CENTER. THAT IS SAMMY HILL. SHE IS WALKING ALONGSIDE THE MAN SHE SAYS SAVED HER LIFE, PENN STATE HEALTH NEUROSURGEON DR. MARK IAN-TOSCA. YOU MAY RECOGNIZE SAMMY FROM THE ANNUAL CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK TELETHON HERE ON WGAL. WE HAVE SHARED HER STORY WITH MANY OF YOU OVER THE YEARS. IN 2008 SHE WAS PICKING APPLES AT A FRIEND’S HOUSE, WHEN A TREE BRANCH BROKE OFF AND FELT 50 FEET ONTO HER HEAD. SHE SUFFERED BRAIN DAMAGE, LOST THE ABILITY TO DO ANYTHING, AND -- DO A LOT OF THINGS AND WAS ON LIFE SUPPORT AT PENN STATE HEALTH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. SO TO SEE SAMMY WALK ACROSS THE STAGE WAS A BIG DEAL. >> IN OVER T YEARS, -- AND OVER THE YEARS, WE DEVELOPED THIS RELATIONSHIP. SHE HAS INSPIRED SOME THE PEOPLE I DON’T THINK SHE COULD EVER KNOW OR APPRECIATE HOW MANY. JERE: YOU CAN SEE HOW EXCITED SHE IS AND WE ARE EXCITED FOR HER. CONGRATULATIONS TO SAMMY, THE DOCTOR, AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO HELPED HER SUCCEED. BY THE WAY, YOU WILL SEE SAMMY AND OTHER MIRACLE KIDS, DURING WGAL’S ANNUAL CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK TELETHON, COMING UP JUNE SEVENTH THROUGH THE 10TH. WE MENTIONED THAT DR. IAN-TOSCA. IS A PEDIATRIC SURGEON. IT IS AMAZING WHAT HE DID.
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High school graduate gets her diploma walking next to the man who she says saved her life
Walking across the stage to get a diploma is a big moment for graduating seniors, but it was an even bigger deal for a Pennsylvania graduate.Sammy Hill turned her tassel at Hershey High School while walking alongside the man she credits with saving her life: Penn State Health neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Iantosca. She was picking apples at a friend's house in 2008 when a tree branch broke off in the wind, falling 50 feet onto her head.She sustained brain damage and was on life support at Penn State Health Children's Hospital.That's why it was a big deal that she was able to walk across the stage for her graduation."Over the years, we just developed this special relationship. She's really a very wonderful, inspirational little girl. She's inspired so many people. I don't think she even really could ever know or appreciate how many," Iantosca said."It feels so excellent. I'm so excited!" Hill said.Watch the video to see the special moment.

Walking across the stage to get a diploma is a big moment for graduating seniors, but it was an even bigger deal for a Pennsylvania graduate.

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Sammy Hill turned her tassel at Hershey High School while walking alongside the man she credits with saving her life: Penn State Health neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Iantosca.

She was picking apples at a friend's house in 2008 when a tree branch broke off in the wind, falling 50 feet onto her head.

She sustained brain damage and was on life support at Penn State Health Children's Hospital.

That's why it was a big deal that she was able to walk across the stage for her graduation.

"Over the years, we just developed this special relationship. She's really a very wonderful, inspirational little girl. She's inspired so many people. I don't think she even really could ever know or appreciate how many," Iantosca said.

"It feels so excellent. I'm so excited!" Hill said.

Watch the video to see the special moment.