Born Nov 30, 1992

Lived a life of 4 years, a strong caring and loving brother and son. Brought Joy to everyone around him, he will always be loved and missed.

Died June 16, 1997, of an astrocytoma

Born January 27, 1995

In 1999 at the age of 4, Sam was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer. During the next 2 ½ years, Sam had 4 brain surgeries, underwent 6 weeks of daily brain radiation, took more than 10 different chemotherapies and was involved in 3 different clinical trials. Through all of this Sam led a very normal life for a young boy. He rarely missed school and was able to participate in Sunday school, soccer and baseball, swimming lessons and piano lessons and activities with friends. Sam was a truly happy child and lived a full life doing all of the activities kids his age love to do. He had a huge smile and a terrific laugh. He would often imitate cartoon characters and sing silly songs. After a brave and valiant fight against this very aggressive form of brain cancer, Sam died peacefully at home early in the morning on March 10, 2002 surrounded by our family.

Sam had 2 brothers – Stephen (8 years old when he died) and Ben (5 years old when he died) - whom he played with and loved very much. He also enjoyed watching videos, playing miniature golf and basketball and spending time at the beach with them. Sam would have had so much fun meeting and playing with his youngest brother, Mark, who was born 5 years after he died.

Throughout Sam's fight with cancer, prayers were answered so many times. God gave all of us so much strength, and His blessings were so numerous in our lives. When we think of Sam's struggles we remember the verse, Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." We love talking about Sam and remembering all the things he did and how he enriched our lives. He will always be alive in our hearts.