Help Sam Stay Cancer Free!

In May of 2021, our dear friend Sam Cangelosi had a tumor removed from his left leg. We waited in anticipation for the results of the biopsy, trying to stay positive and hopeful that the tumor would be cancer free. To our dismay, the biopsy results were not what we had hoped for. At the end of June, Sam was diagnosed with Stage 3B Liposarcoma, a rare kind of cancer that is fast spreading, often with chronic regrowth. Though this diagnosis has changed Sam's life forever, we are standing strong together and are very optimistic that Sam will be able to keep these cancer cells at bay with immediate treatments and regular screenings.

Though there are no new detectable cancer growths at this time, Sam's doctors determined that it is highly probable that undetectable growth had already begun in that area, and removing additional tissue was absolutely necessary. On August 25th, Sam endured a second surgery (7-½ hours) on his leg, which removed a significant amount of tissue around the area where the cancerous tumor had previously grown. Sam spent 6 nights in the hospital and is now recovering at home. Once Sam’s leg has healed from surgery and he has regained the ability to walk, he will then begin 6-7 weeks of daily Localized Radiation. After Radiation, Sam will continue to visit the hospital every 3 months for full cancer screenings, to monitor whether the Radiation and surgeries were successful in keeping the cancer from re-growing. If Sam stays cancer free for a year, he will be able to visit the hospital less frequently, with full cancer screenings every four months. Sam's fight to stay cancer free will include cancer screenings for the rest of his life.

Right now Sam is trying to continue to pursue his goals and dreams, and not let his diagnosis hold him back from kicking ass at life. Sam is a full time student at the University of Illinois Chicago, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental History, with an Environmental Science Minor. Sam works for the Chicago vegan baker, Pie Pie My Darling. Sam is designing a non-profit project for his senior thesis that will develop community gardens in some of Chicago's most disadvantaged food deserts, while also collecting research data that will aid in more sustainable farming for a brighter global future. Sam's energy and optimism is being severely challenged by his cancer diagnosis and treatments, but we are confident that this will not stop him from continuing on his inspirational life journey.

While working to stay alive and healthy, Sam has rapidly depleted his savings account to keep up with his medical expenses. Any amount towards our goal of $15,000 helps immensely, and is so greatly appreciated.

If you know Sam personally, then you know first hand that he is an exceptionally genuine, loyal, hardworking and kind person. Please help Sam fight this battle by donating any amount, big or small. All donations go directly to Sam so he can continue to take the necessary actions to stay cancer free, so he can continue to pursue his life with the same fearless passion and lighthearted energy that he always has.

Thank you so much for your time, emotional energy and generosity.