As someone who takes care of critically ill cardiac patients everyday, you never expect to be the one who needs care. Unfortunately that is exactly where Sam Tam found herself in early April. Sam began to notice swelling and pain in her abdomen that was steadily increasing. As she sought medical attention with the hopes of figuring out what was wrong, she never expected to hear the words that her physicians were saying.
Tumors. Surgery. Metastatic. Cancer. Chemotherapy.
Words that no 27 year old should be hearing.
On April 2nd 2026, Sam underwent major surgery. Her surgeons removed all of the tumors that had been plaguing her. Her ovaries, uterus and cervix all had to be removed.
The first hurdle was complete. For the next 10 days Sam recovered in the very hospital she works as a Cardiovascular Perfusionist. Her parents and her brother flew to Los Angeles from Canada to be with Sam and help her through this fight. Her boyfriend helped to ease the pain by rarely leaving her bedside. Word spread fast about one of our own going through this tremendous battle. Sam's spirit, loving nature and positivity created friendships, bonds, and working relationships that are so strong that Anesthesiologists, Nurses, Surgical Techs, ICU Physicians, and fellow perfusionists flooded her room with flowers and well wishes.
Through it all Sam has maintained the very core of herself. She never let the weight of this battle dampen her spirit. She held her head high and vowed to take this journey one step at a time.
The next step was chemotherapy. Sam chose to remain in Los Angeles for the duration of her treatment. Sam's first cycle began April 27th 2026.
Each day she has been visited by friends and coworkers to share stories and laughs to make sure the mood stays cheerful. We have offered her all the love and support while her family in Canada cheers her on from there.
As this process goes on, the one thing looming in the distance is the cost of being diagnosed with cancer at 27. As bright as Sam has been, we know this will weigh on her. We hope to ease that burden with this Go Fund Me.
Please consider donating to the human embodiment of sunshine. She spent years of her life studying to care for other people. Now we want to make sure we take care of her.
Through every battle, through every scar, through every day, our love for Sam grows.
For our sweet girl, Sam.
ALL proceeds will go directly to Samantha Tam