#SAMSTRONG

As family and friends of Samantha Harris, we find ourselves trying to find right words to share on a public forum as we reflect with disbelief on her recent diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive and rare form of muscle cancer.

A few weeks ago, Sam, as she is known to most of her friends, required little more than you would expect from a two-sport, academic powerhouse: the love and company of her family & friends, shelter and coaching. Then, earlier this month, Sam gave ‘the gift of life’ in a school blood drive. Pretty typically, she felt a bit weak and tired, but it wasn’t until the days that followed that Samantha began to feel unwell which prompted her parents to call the doctor. This is when they learned of Sam’s diagnosis… ‘Your daughter has cancer’ - very cruel words that no parent should ever have to hear. Her disease is very advanced, Stage 4.

As her family and friends, we feel helpless, untrained on how to comfort our girl, her brother and parents, Chris and Jennifer Harris, through this journey. So, it’s no surprise that most of us want to do anything we can to help.

Sam and her big brother, Chris (aka C.J.) mean everything to their parents. Spend a little time with the four of them and you’ll see an honesty and closeness that is unique. They hold no punches with each other, they have cutting wit, but are equally as quick with a hug or word of encouragement. If you spend time with them, though, be prepared… they talk SO fast that you’ll need a translator.

We’d like you to know a little more about Sam. She just turned 17. She has always excelled academically, attaining principal’s list every grading period as far back as her parents can remember, and was just inducted into the National Honor Society. But that is not her only niche, she also excels athletically, playing softball and volleyball, for in-school and travel teams in both sports. She also admirably volunteers with young girls to help them grow in their quest for excellence, tutoring, helping to run clinics and coach in both of her sports. Her students are no doubt anxiously awaiting her return.

Her classmates and teammates say that Sam is the one who lights up every room she enters and dedicates herself to the advancement of others as an ambassador in her high school. Sam is effortlessly kind, welcoming and funny; simply enjoying every second of life and the people around her. She brightens days and embodies an uncommon grace. As one friend put it, knowing Sam is a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

When Sam learned of her diagnosis, she reflected on her experience and told her parents, “I donated blood to save a life, and by doing so, may have saved my own.” Always an optimist and a scholar, Sam added that she thinks this situation will make a great college essay. So do we, and we can’t wait to read it!

Samantha is already undergoing chemotherapy to battle this heartless disease. Her parents have not left her side and will be unable to do so for the foreseeable future. To that end, we are raising funds so that her devoted parents and her big brother are not forced to think about financial challenges on top of the more important health ones.

We also plan to spread awareness about this insidious form of cancer to improve prevention measures and treatment options.

The time ahead promises to be full of difficult days and nights and will be anything but easy. Sam’s parents and her brother will endure visiting places and making decisions that we ask God to help us avoid. Her supporters plan to storm the heavens with their prayers and intentions until Sam is once again carefree and cancer-free. Sam’s entire family and army of friends thank you in advance for your continued prayers and support, and ask for you to donate a gift of any size that you may be in a position to afford. May God bless all of you and may God bless Samantha.

#SAMSTRONG