On Thursday, July 30th, Samantha's life was turned upside down. After several days of feeling under the weather, she went into the emergency room with severe headaches, loss of appetite, lethargy, dizziness, and aching pains throughout her body. After hours of testing, a scan showed she was suffering from a brain hemorrhage.
Blood tests revealed that the hemorrhage was the result of leukemia.
In the days that followed, Samantha received multiple blood and platelet transfusions to decrease her white blood cell count. She was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago where they immediately began tests to determine the exact type of leukemia so treatments could begin as soon as possible.
On August 2nd, Samantha was diagnosed with Precursor B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
The team at Northwestern wasted no time formulating a treatment plan, including a promising clinical study. The way forward seemed clear, which provided some reassurance in the midst of so much uncertainty. Unfortunately, further tests revealed new hurdles. A lumbar puncture showed that the aggressive leukemia was farther along than we had hoped. It had already progressed to the point that it was within Samantha's spinal fluid. Complicating her treatment approach, Samantha tested positive for the Philadelphia Chromosome, which means she is resistant to the aggressive chemotherapy needed.
Despite these set backs, Samantha has been nothing but strong and positive. In a matter of days, her doctors had formulated a new plan.
On August 6th, Samantha began the first of two phases of multiple types of chemotherapy. After these two phases, a bone marrow biopsy will determine if she is in remission or will need a bone marrow transplant. Doctors are hoping transplant will not be needed, and she will instead continue with the existing intensive, two-year plan.
Those who know her know that Samantha loves fiercely. Right now, with all she has ahead of her, it is time for her to feel that love in return. Her battle with cancer will not be an easy one, and it won't be without a huge financial burden. Already, the costs of treatments are piling up. Samantha will be unable to work at all for a minimum of 6 months. Her husband, Ryan, will be taking unpaid leave to help care for her.
When our strong, beautiful Sammy makes it through this fight, we don't want to see her face another battle with the debt her treatments will incur. We hope that if you are in a position to do so, that you will find it in your heart to help ease that burden.
We also ask, whether you can donate at this time or not, that you please keep Samantha in your prayers.
Thank you for all your support.
#SammyStrong
We have also set up a storefront for Sammy Strong merchandise. All proceeds will go directly to funding Samantha's treatments.
Shop Sammy Strong here: teespring.com/stores/sammystrong
Blood tests revealed that the hemorrhage was the result of leukemia.
In the days that followed, Samantha received multiple blood and platelet transfusions to decrease her white blood cell count. She was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago where they immediately began tests to determine the exact type of leukemia so treatments could begin as soon as possible.
On August 2nd, Samantha was diagnosed with Precursor B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
The team at Northwestern wasted no time formulating a treatment plan, including a promising clinical study. The way forward seemed clear, which provided some reassurance in the midst of so much uncertainty. Unfortunately, further tests revealed new hurdles. A lumbar puncture showed that the aggressive leukemia was farther along than we had hoped. It had already progressed to the point that it was within Samantha's spinal fluid. Complicating her treatment approach, Samantha tested positive for the Philadelphia Chromosome, which means she is resistant to the aggressive chemotherapy needed.
Despite these set backs, Samantha has been nothing but strong and positive. In a matter of days, her doctors had formulated a new plan.
On August 6th, Samantha began the first of two phases of multiple types of chemotherapy. After these two phases, a bone marrow biopsy will determine if she is in remission or will need a bone marrow transplant. Doctors are hoping transplant will not be needed, and she will instead continue with the existing intensive, two-year plan.
Those who know her know that Samantha loves fiercely. Right now, with all she has ahead of her, it is time for her to feel that love in return. Her battle with cancer will not be an easy one, and it won't be without a huge financial burden. Already, the costs of treatments are piling up. Samantha will be unable to work at all for a minimum of 6 months. Her husband, Ryan, will be taking unpaid leave to help care for her.
When our strong, beautiful Sammy makes it through this fight, we don't want to see her face another battle with the debt her treatments will incur. We hope that if you are in a position to do so, that you will find it in your heart to help ease that burden.
We also ask, whether you can donate at this time or not, that you please keep Samantha in your prayers.
Thank you for all your support.
#SammyStrong
We have also set up a storefront for Sammy Strong merchandise. All proceeds will go directly to funding Samantha's treatments.
Shop Sammy Strong here: teespring.com/stores/sammystrong
Organizer and beneficiary
Shelley Caspary
Beneficiary