Help Sam Beat Cancer

Hi everyone, my name is Chris. My best friend Sam was recently diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma—a type of blood/skin cancer. Thankfully, the cancer was caught in stage 1B, but little is known about this specific type of lymphoma. Currently, he’s undergoing eight to sixteen rounds of targeted chemotherapy, tentatively set to conclude in late 2025 or early 2026. It’s been a challenging time, but we remain optimistic. It’s been devastating to see the physical and mental toll the treatment has taken on Sam. With his ability to work being limited, and insurance being unable to cover the total cost, the financial strain has been overwhelming. We were hesitant to reach out to the community at first, but we humbly ask for your support for Sam—whether big, small, or even just sharing this campaign with others.

Who is Sam?

I had the privilege of meeting Sam six years ago at UCLA, and he is one of the most inspiring, kind, and thoughtful people I know. Sam is the type of friend who makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. On our rock climbing adventures together, he is always the first to motivate me with his words, pushing me to do my best—even when I don’t believe in myself. He’s always the friend to check in and say: “Have a great day at work/school,” or “You got this today!” Anyone who knows him can attest to his deeply thoughtful nature. Sam can brighten up any mood with his lovable personality– whether through genuine conversation, silly jokes, or whipping out the harmonica at a moment's notice. Despite the challenges Sam is facing, he continues to remain strong—now he deserves all the love and support we can give in return.

Our Goal is to raise $25,000

Sam was billed $101,000 for a single infusion. Thankfully, his insurance covered $95,000 of it, so he should not have to pay any more for his treatment this year, as his maximum out-of-pocket expense is $6,100 with his insurance. Unfortunately, due to the slow nature of this treatment, it is highly likely that it will continue into 2026, when Sam will have to pay an additional $6,100.

Your donation will help cover:

- Remaining treatment costs

- Appointment and medication copays

- Transportation to appointments

- Living expenses for the next 6-10 months (due to his limited ability to work)

I truly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read, share, and contribute to this fundraiser for Sam. Big or small support will help more than you’ll ever know. Sam—the eldest of three, a loving friend to many, a professor, counselor, rock climber, and someone who always shows up for others—deserves the same support he’s always given to the people he loves. Can’t wait to see Sam beat this cancer and to support him every step of the way alongside all of you. Love you, Sam <3

* GoFundMe takes a small percentage of the proceeds. Please contact me if you prefer to donate through Venmo, Zelle, or another platform.