Sam Malek Recieves Life Without Limits Award
from United Cerebral Palsy

On April 25, 2009, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) presented the Life Without Limits Award to local businessman, Sam Malek.   The Life Without Limits Award is given to recognize an individual with disabilities who has overcome barriers attributable to his disability, and who has demonstrated leadership and achievement of such caliber as to be a significant role model to individuals with and without disabilities. 

In 2007, Sam Malek purchased a small coffee shop in Ballwin, MO with the goal of making a difference in the community “one cup at a time”.  Sam was born with cerebral palsy and wanted the opportunity to help other people with disabilities.  At More Than Coffee, Sam employs others with disabilities and also donates a portion of his proceeds each month to charity.  Customers help decide which charitable organization will be the recipient of the donations. 

In September 2008, ABC and Extreme Makeover Home Edition came to St. Louis and, recognizing Sam’s outstanding achievements, remodeled the coffee shop.  The remodel allowed the coffee shop to be more accessible for Sam and the people that he employs.  The episode allowed the country to share in Sam’s amazing story.

More Than Coffee is a dream realized for Sam and a tribute to what hope and perseverance can produce. The mission of More Than Coffee and Sam’s story have given hope to many families and individuals with disabilities.  He has also inspired people to look for ways that they too can give back to their communities.

 Sam Malek

Recently, the website for Pay it Forward St. Louis was launched.  Inspired by the actions of Sam Malek, the Pay it Forward St. Louis website gives people a place to share their own stories of random acts of kindness and to read Pay it Forward  stories.  Pay it Forward St. Louis encourages people to make a difference one small act of kindness at a time.

Sam originally came to St. Louis as a child to receive medical treatment.  He and his family received services through UCP's Early Intervention program very soon after arriving in St. Louis.

Sam served on the UCP of Greater St. Louis Board of Directors for several years up until the time that he had to resign due to some health issues that arose. As a representative of our board, he brought new perspectives to our board discussions regarding program and service development, additional insight into community barriers from both a personal and business perspective.   

Sam Malek has overcome many barriers attributed to his disability.  He is a true role model and inspiration to individuals with and without disabilities.  To learn more about More Than Coffee, please visit the website http://www.morethancoffee.net/.