Hello everyone, I am writing to you on behalf of my lovely daughter Samantha, “Sammie” Poling. She is 20 years young and is currently in school to become a nurse. Sammie has always been known as Sammie Sunshine, having a positive outlook on life, aiming to please, and she has a smile that radiates your heart. On September 9th, she tragically endured two grand mal seizures, needing multiple ambulance rides to various hospitals. After her first CAT scan, we received the news that she had an 8-centimeter brain tumor on the left side of her brain. After several discussions with her neurosurgeon, we decided Sammie needed to have brain surgery. On September 15th, Samantha demonstrated great courage and strength as she underwent a left craniotomy operation. Unfortunately, Sammie’s neurosurgeon was only able to get half of the tumor, leaving the remaining 50% resting in her brain. Many of the neurosurgeons discussed the inability to remove the entire tumor due to the location and harming the key parts of what makes Sammie who she is; areas such as her sunny personality, speech, and motor functions. The removed parts of her tumor were sent off to Pathology to distinguish many characteristics of her tumor.

Needless to say, as a family we all loved on Sammie, and patiently waited by her side to hear the results in the following weeks. On October 2nd, we sadly found out the diagnosis of Samantha’s tumor, a Grade 2 IDH astrocytoma cancer; slow mutation rate of 3%. It ultimately leaves her with few outcomes in helping diminish the cancer cells from continuing mutation. Due to her age and diagnosis, the medical team informed all of us that typical cancer treatments such as chemo and radiation would severally damage Sammie’s healthy brain cells. This would cause more harm than good to Sammie’s condition. They encouraged the use of a prescription for an immunotherapy targeted pill with daily use. Despite this, her immunotherapy averages at the cost of $40,000 for a month's supply of this cancer treatment; excluding the cost of bloodwork, MRI scans, and possible surgeries needed in the future. Without Sammie’s ability to receive her immunotherapy, sadly she will need to allow the cancer to grow and be closely monitored each month.

This is where we are asking for your prayers, support, and donations. If possible, send this GO FUND ME to your friends and family to help assist in Samantha's brain cancer journey. The funds will further aid in her immunotherapy prescriptions, medical expenses, and future ongoing care.

Thank you to everyone who has graciously donated thus far as well as showing support to my loving daughter. We will continue to update and share Sammies progress throughout her treatment and continued recovery.