Sam Rossoni: Service In the Amazon Rainforest

Sam Rossoni leads a busy Westport teenage life.

He played varsity soccer for Staples High School last year, as a sophomore. He’s vice president of the 3-D Enable Club, which prints for people in need. He’s in 2 honor societies: Math and Science. He just got his driver’s permit. 

But he has not forgotten people in need in Brazil, his parents’ native land.

Sam — who speaks fluent Portuguese — volunteers with Associação Médicos da Floresta. The NGO provides high-quality treatment to indigenous tribes in places like the Amazon rainforest.

People there face many challenges, including trachoma, cataracts, lack of dental care, and inadequate access to clean water.

The organization runs missions to those remote areas. They bring doctors to work with many different tribes, with a variety of cultures and traditions.

Next month, Sam will join a team in Rio Negro. He’ll spend a week in northwestern Brazil.

In addition to working, he’ll make videos to spread awareness of the tribe’s needs, and the richness of their heritage.

Sam Rossoni sold books, Brazilian bread and cheeses, and more to raise funds for indigenous tribes.

Sam believes it is crucial to protect unique areas like the Amazon rainforest. “The richness of life there can be seen by the very diverse populations of native tribes,” he says. “They use the rainforest to survive, while also preserving it for the good of the world.

To spread awareness, Sam created a club at Staples. “The Amazonian Crew” helps with his advocacy and fundraising efforts. To contribute via Venmo, click here.

To learn more, or volunteer with Associação Médicos da Floresta, text Sam at 917-535-0327, or email the club: theamazoniancrew@gmail.com.

PS: Brazil’s indigenous tribes are not Sam’s only concern. He recently helped raise over $1,000 for Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine. Thanks, Sam, for all you do!