Super Sams Story

What makes up a superhero? They’re brave, strong, outgoing, caring and let’s be honest usually super cute! On February 7, 2015 a super hero was born and the lucky parents, Garth and Lisa, called him Sam.

 At Lisa’s 20 week ultrasound something was detected with Sam's heart and through closer testing they found out he had the congenital heart defect Tetralogy of Fallot.

He had his first open heart surgery in Vancouver at 4 days old, and then again a year later.

Unfortunately, this was not going to be Sam’s only tough hurdle… Recently he was once again challenged when Dr.’s found a large tumour (13 cm) originating in his left kidney. After 8 hours of operating the tumour was successfully taken out. It was attached to the spleen, diaphragm , stomach and pancreas. The spleen & kidney had to be removed but all other organs were unharmed.

 After 2 weeks of tests Sam got the final diagnosis of Neuroblastoma..which by the look on the Oncologists face and tone of voice his parents could tell was really bad news . He also has the added MIC2 gene which puts him at high risk. One huge thing he has on his side is the fact the tumor was entirely removed, but because of the unfavourable MIC2 gene he has been put into aggressive treatment starting with 18 weeks of chemo, an autologous stem cell transplant, followed by up to 16 weeks in hospital for radiation.

This treatment will include a lot of time away from home, taking A LOT of medication MANY times a day, which lets face it is a huge struggle for little kids, a lot of procedures, tests, and missing out on things.

 “Sam has never been an ordinary boy-having something extra special since the day he was born.”

 Garth and Lisa are some of the most down to earth, genuine, fun people. Prior to them having kids, I cannot remember a time that I seen Lisa and she didn’t talk non-stop about how much she looked forward to being a parent.  Garth and Lisa are the parents every kid wishes they had… Fun, loving, creative, and full of life. Some highlights of their parenting are having a real swing in their living room, the home made activity board, or the fact that Garth let Sam shave his head recently. I’m sure the list goes on and on and on… Sam is also a big brother to another cutie, Seth. Anyone who has been around little kids, can empathize with the fact that having a 2 children within 2 years is BUSY!! Adding in medical issues and time apart from each other only doesn’t help.
 
Sam recently turned 3, and it is hard to fathom anyone enduring what he has been through in their lifetime, nevermind, in his 3 years. As parents, it is heartbreaking to imagine what Garth and Lisa have had to go through and will continue to have to go through.

It is my hope with this Go Fund me Account that we can show our support and love for Sam and his family. I’m hoping this will help with the financial burden even though they are so humble I know they would never ask or expect anything. Please consider donating and share so that others may show their support.