Testimony of a Survivor
<< Young, intelligent, and passionate about aviation, Sam’s life changed forever on September 19, 2015.
At 25 years old, while completing his studies to become a pilot, he was violently struck in the head by an aircraft propeller.
Against all odds, he survived a severe traumatic brain injury. But the consequences were major.
Part of his left hand was irreversibly damaged and had to be amputated.
The left side of his face became permanently paralyzed and had to be reconstructed with titanium plates.
His skull, weakened by the impact, had to be replaced with an artificial cranial implant.
And that was not all.
He completely lost hearing in his left ear.
And perhaps the greatest challenge of all: the total loss of vision in his right eye.
After multiple surgeries, long days in a coma, and a demanding rehabilitation, Samuel fought to relearn how to speak, move, and live.
He had to relearn everything — with a new body.
With new limits.
But above all, with a new strength. >>
Conference Overview
This conference tells the story of a pilot — me, Samuel — whose life changed in a split second.
While I was living my dream of flying, a sudden and devastating accident turned everything upside down.
The injuries I suffered could have easily ended my life.
But my will to survive never wavered.
With honesty, emotion, and a good dose of humor (yes, even through the toughest moments), I share my journey, my struggles... and all those surprising anecdotes that often make the audience smile when they least expect it.
My story is a lesson in courage, resilience, and perseverance.
But above all, it’s a celebration of life — and of that inner strength we all carry within us, even when we think it's gone.
I learned one essential thing:
Talking isn’t enough.
We must act, show, and prevent.
That’s why I give conferences.
In businesses, schools, the aviation world... anywhere a message can make a difference.
One day, I hope to receive a call from someone saying:
"I was about to get hurt... but I stopped just in time. And it saved my life."
On that day, it will feel as if I, too, have been saved a second time.
As if what I went through served to prevent another tragedy.
That’s my goal:
To inspire, awaken, and prevent.
To save even one life...
Because I had help when I needed it.
Now, it's my turn to give it back.
Join me for a real, human, and unforgettable experience —
an encounter where the sky is no longer a limit,
but a reflection of how great the human adventure can be.
Life moves fast. Stay ahead.
Go!
Every year, thousands of Canadians fall victim to accidents — at home, at work, and on the road.
And too often, these accidents could have been prevented.
We believe that an effective strategy to reduce these tragedies starts with awareness.
Because prevention isn’t about following boring rules:
it’s about developing a reflex for protection.
Accidents happen fast.
To anyone.
Often when we least expect it.
And especially... when routine takes over, when we think everything is fine, when we start doing things “the usual way.”
That’s the message we want to share:
Think before it’s too late.
Act before disaster strikes.
Prevent to avoid the worst.
Book Now!
To contact me:
Useful References:
Radio interview with Dany Gagnon en 2017
Canal-D: "J'ai frôlé la mort"
2022 19 septembre
Workplace Accident; Jour De Deuil
2023, 28 avril
Dupont in the Morning; Radio FM93
2024, 14 mars