By Sanford Children's Hospital

We met Sam at the 2011 Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon. He was so upbeat, even though he had just been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia the week before.

He came down and did interviews with the DJs live. He even shaved his head in the middle of the Carlson Great Hall. We expected Sam to receive treatment and be okay.

However, Sam’s cancer didn’t respond to normal treatment protocols. But that still didn’t get him down. He goofed around with Child Life and nurses, had water fights and kept everyone on their toes.

He kept everyone around him upbeat. He helped other patients come out of their shells. He taught us all how to truly live.

Sam endured experimental treatments at the University of Minnesota, which is where he passed away. He slipped away peacefully, leaving behind a message for those who loved him. He told everyone that he knew where he was going, and his family and friends feel a peace in knowing he is no longer in pain. They look forward to the day they will meet him again.


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