Sam’s battle with stage 4 ALK lung cancer

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. On September 20th, Samantha received a diagnosis of lung cancer with metastases to her liver and adrenal glands. She had been recently diagnosed with pneumonia at an urgent care and had been coughing since she had gotten covid. But with her not feeling better despite the antibiotics and the appearance of blood in her sputum, she became very concerned and went to the ER. The news was shocking, so much so they drove to Cleveland Clinic that night. They received confirmation of this diagnoses, along with a liver biopsy to help them stage the cancer which could potentially already be stage 4. Sam had gone home for a couple days to get rest, await results and plan when to start treatment. She developed stroke- like symptoms and a fever and went back the ER. Her lung mass was pushing into her superior vena cava, the largest vein that returns blood to her heart from her upper body. She was in pain, but her stroke symptoms resolved. They were transported back to Cleveland Clinic to monitor and start a plan for treatment ASAP. Once there, her right lung collapsed and she is currently in the ICU, undergoing more diagnostics testing and is on oxygen. Her husband, Chris, is at her side. Her twin sister Randelle and mother Sharie are with the children, Landon (5) and Elena (8). Samantha is calm but obviously this is absolutely terrifying. She is strong in her faith and is just asking for one thing- everyone to pray.

Everyone is flabbergasted. Sam is the good kid. Out of all of us, we just can’t believe this is happening to the healthiest one who took the best care of herself and her family. We have decided to start her and her family a Go Fund Me to support them while they fight this, together. She is a stay at home mama and obviously Chris (the single income) is going to be with her as much as possible. Life will go on with mortgages, groceries, gas, utility bills, NOT TO MENTION medical bills and the gas it takes to go back & forth from Wheeling to Cleveland so often, etc. Let’s join hands in helping them survive this financially. Let’s share this page with everyone who you think would be willing to pray for them or support in whatever way they can. Share with your friends/family/church. Share on Facebook. On Instagram. Wherever and however you can help- it is so much appreciated. Thank you for reading and sharing, peace to you and those you hold dear.