Samantha Snyder: Help Keep Her #SamanthaStrong

Dear Friends and Family 

I’m creating this fund in support of my lifelong friend Debbie, her husband Craig and their daughter (my beautiful goddaughter) Samantha. They are an incredibly kind and loving family who have always been active in their community and passionate about raising money and awareness for important causes and supporting others during their tough times. They are always the first to lend a hand to a friend in need. 

Now I’m hopeful that we can rally for them in their time of need. Mid-February, Samantha was diagnosed with EwingsSarcoma. While this news was beyond devastating to hear, Samantha was blessed to have a dad who is also a great doctor. His keen instincts led to an early detection so thankfully the cancer had not metastasized and Samantha has a very good prognosis. However, while that news is great in the long term, Samantha is forced to fight a battle that no child should have to. She has a long road ahead of her as she has to endure a grueling regimen of chemotherapy followed by painful surgeries that will require a long recovery. 

This is not the first time Debbie and Craig have had to be warriors; 15 years ago Debbie was faced with a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 33. Unfortunately she is all too familiar with the path Samantha is facing and her lifetime of follow-up and care. At the time of Debbie’s diagnosis, she and Craig were recently married and had saved to purchase their first home but after all of the bills and expenses associated with her care, all of their financial resources were depleted. As they are now faced with their daughter’s diagnosis, they are yet again faced with the financial burden of the treatments, cost of travel and potential loss of income to care for Samantha. 

At this point Samantha has faced 4 cycles of chemotherapy is now recovering from major surgery. She has been a warrior just like her mom and has blown me away with how she has dealt with this unfair situation. She will need 24 hour care for an extensive period and with that comes major expenses. This family has faced every obstacle with unmatched strength, bravery and positivity. They are very independent and proud people who are more used to caring for others. 

However, aside from the mental, physical and emotional drain of battling cancer, there is heavy stress and financial burden. The only thing that really matters is their sweet daughter’s recovery and comfort during this journey in her young life. Therefore, I would love to alleviate some of their stress and provide them with a cushion by helping to cover their ever growing expenses as Samantha goes through her extended recuperation and next rounds of chemotherapy. This way they can focus solely on Samantha’s care and recovery. 

Debbie and Craig are the most amazing parents I know. The love, support and generous gifts they have received from family and friends thus far has been invaluable to them.  The support of so many is testament to the individuals they are and how they have touched so many others during their lives.

Together, they will get through this moment in their lives, and Samantha will go on to do incredible things in her life.  Let’s try to help them now so they can pick up where they left off when this is in their rear view mirror.