A Traumatic Brain Injury. A Fluffy White Service Dog. A Fight That Changed Everything.
After a devastating accident left Joey Ramp-Adams with twenty-three broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, and severe neurological impairments, she lost her ability to speak, understand language, and even function in the outside world. Isolated in a world of pain, confusion, and despair, she saw no way forward—until one soft-eyed Golden Retriever named Sampson showed her otherwise.
With Sampson by her side, Joey didn’t just rebuild her life—she rewrote the rules. Determined to understand the science behind her injury, she returned to academia to study neuroscience, becoming the first service dog handler to demand full access to scientific laboratories. Faced with systemic bias, discrimination, and doors slammed shut, Joey refused to back down. Instead, she and Sampson became a force for global change.
Insistent is a powerful memoir of resilience, advocacy, and the unbreakable bond between a woman and her service dog. Together, they shattered barriers, reshaped policies, and sparked a movement that reached from classrooms to Congress.
This is not just a story about survival—it’s a story about transformation, purpose, and the courage to challenge a system stacked against you.
Joey fought for her life. Then she fought for others. With Sampson leading the way, she proved that determination—like love—never gives up.
Joey Ramp-Adams has a background in biocognitive neuroscience. She has been published in five peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, and assisted with the development of inclusive laboratory guidelines for service dogs in science for three of the top associations for safety guidelines in biochemical academics and industry. She developed several training and accreditation modules for colleges and universities, healthcare institutions, technology and research organizations, first responders, and governmental agencies on service dog education and sits on the Advocacy and Legislative Committee for Assistance Dogs International.
Joey is the founder and CEO of Empower Ability Consulting Inc., a firm that advocates for people with disabilities in STEM education and industry. She is also the cofounder and vice president of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization International Alliance for Ability in Science, which provides resources, financial aid, and scholarships for student scientists with disabilities. Joey resides in Sierra Vista, Arizona, with her service dog Sampson.
Sampson was named one of seven Dogs of the Year in 2021 for the influential work he and Joey have accomplished in effecting change for service dog handlers in science. He was featured on the CW Network’s holiday special. Sampson was also named the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) winner in 2019 in the Service Dog category and is currently in the running for the 2024 American Humane Hero Dog Award in the Service Dog category.
