#STANDUPWITHSAMANTHA
Each month, Samantha Edwards’ middle school honors 6 students (a boy and girl from each grade) who "stand out" by working hard and showing good character. These students are not informed prior to the assembly. However, parents are called ahead of time to surprise their child when his/her name is announced. These students are named as “Students of the Month”.
On Friday, March 10, 2017, Samantha Edwards was named one of the 6th grade "Students of the Month". A week before the assembly, Samantha had decided she was ready to share her story. She was ready to let her fellow students know what major fight she was facing head-on and how she would need their help. The assembly would be a good opportunity to tell everyone at once. Unbeknownst to her, Samantha thought she was just going to be a "small part" of the program.
When it was time for 6th grade teachers to present their awards, Samantha's teachers had a surprising twist. Not only was Samantha going to share her story, but first she was going to be recognized as the "Student of the Month". Her ELA teacher began with, “As a teacher, I strive each day to inspire my students and help them see that any goal is attainable and never out of their reach. However, I have also learned that as a teacher, there are those special times that it is the student who inspires the teacher. It is the student who makes the teacher want to do and be better. Today, my heart is full to honor you Miss Samantha Edwards. Samantha, there are a few things you need to know. You have inspired me and your 6th grade teachers along with the rest of our school's staff. You have inspired us to never give up and to always think positively. You have inspired us to keep our heads held up high and keep pushing through whatever life throws our way. You have showed us that even though we have no control of the future, we still can live each day to the fullest. You have taught us courage and to live every day fighting for the things that really matter.”
After awarding Samantha her "Student of the Month" certificate, the students and staff heard the reasons why her teachers had made these statements about her. Samantha stood in the arms of her teachers as they shared her story, “A few weeks ago, after the county wrestling tournament, Samantha found a knot on her throat. After going to the doctor, Samantha found out that the knot was more than just a knot. It was, in fact, a thyroid cancer called Papillary. Currently, Samantha is having detailed genetic testing done and is waiting for those results before scheduling any procedures or treatments. However, we are not going to let that stand in the way of showing our support today for Samantha. Being the boy beater superwoman wrestler that She is, we want to start fighting with her today, right now, by showing Samantha how much we love and support her. Our mission is to "Stand Up With Samantha", and help her “DDP” thyroid cancer’s butt."
Next, the school was informed about a ‘student’ fundraising effort organized and lead by her teachers. Students could purchase wristbands with the slogan #standupwithsamantha (designed by Samantha, her teachers, and her principal) for $1.00. Where did this slogan come from? This year, Samantha was a member of her school's wrestling team. “Stand Up” is a wrestling term. When a wrestler starts in the bottom position, they must escape from their opponent and “stand up”. Wrestlers who successfully “stand up” earn a point during a match. We want to help Samantha and her family “stand up” and beat this disease.
As the assembly came to an end, there was a huge surprise for both Samantha and her family. The school's Service Club donated $800.00 to help kickstart Samantha's fight against cancer. The club’s sponsor presented Samantha’s family with the check. However, the most heart-warming moment of the assembly came when the students were dismissed to go to class. Several older students approached Samantha to give her an encouraging hug. And, within a matter of seconds, Samantha was surrounded by too many students to count. They all wanted to show their love in a massive group hug.
Since the assembly, Samantha has received the results from her genetic testing. She is a confirmed carrier of a gene mutation called TP53. With this information, the doctors are recommending Samantha’s two siblings have this genetic testing done. Also, with these results, the doctors are currently re-testing to see if Samantha has Li Fraumeni Syndrome and if her TP53 mutated gene is active.
Unfortunately, Samantha has had a new nodule appear on the opposite side of her throat. This tumor is not attached to her thyroid. The oncologist is ready to schedule surgery to remove the known cancer, Papillary, but now they must wait for the results of the second nodule. If Samantha has the Li Fraumeni Syndrome, this tumor could be one of many types of cancer. The surgeon has expressed that these results would depend on whether Samantha would have a complete or partial removal of her thyroid. If the oncologist must remove it all, then Samantha would have to take medication indefinitely.
While Samantha's family has health insurance, none of the crucial genetic testing is covered under their plan. The family had to pay for it upfront. As soon as they get the results from the second tumor, her surgery will be scheduled. After insurance, this bill also will be extremely large. Medical bills and expenses are already coming in and the Edwards Family needs your help now. Samantha needs her parents’ focus to be on her, not medical bills.
Samantha's teachers have had to reorder more wristbands because her middle school (with the population of 340 students) sold out of 800 wristbands in 3 days! This is a great problem to have. However, Samantha needs more friends to "Stand Up" with her. Not only will these bands and donations assist her with her medical expenses, but she hopes to spread cancer awareness to the younger population. Her teachers want to help her reach her goal. With their help, Samantha doesn’t want anyone to have to “stand alone” when they have so much to offer. She hopes to reach as many students as possible. She is just starting the biggest fight of her life, and she is more concerned about helping others. Samantha is truly a ray of sunlight. There is no one who doesn't benefit from just being in her presence. There is not a day that goes by that you don't see her smiling and asking you if you need any help. She is a beautiful blessing. Her parents, family, and teachers are her biggest fans. She is bravest 12-year-old little girl they know.
Thank you, Samantha, for being an inspiration to us...always be humble and kind. With your help, we can bring awareness to cancer and help Samantha at the same time. Let's all take a stand and #STANDUPWITHSAMANTHA!