2025 CHILDHOOD CANCER WARRIOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE SAMMY!

“Sammy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer), the same cancer Terry Fox had, in August of 2024. He started chemo that same fall, and in November of 2024, underwent a surgery that was over 16 hours long to remove the cancerous tumour from his shoulder area. The surgery was successful. The circumference of the tumour tested negative for the disease, indicating they got it all. Chemo continued after surgery.

However, our lives were once again turned upside down in February 2025 when a CT showed a few cancer spots in Sammy’s lungs. A small amount, too small to be detected on imaging, was said to have gotten into his blood and reared its ugly head in his lungs. They changed the kind of chemo Sammy was getting to now target the growth of cancer in his lungs.

On June 24th, Sammy graduated from high school with the Principal’s Honour Roll. Three days later, on June 27th, 2025, Sammy underwent the second major surgery of his life—an 8.5-hour surgery to remove cancer nodules from his lungs. The surgery was successful! The surgeon got out all the spots that were showing up on CT, plus more. Anything possible she could feel, she got out. Sammy is currently recovering in hospital.

A long journey still lies ahead. There could still be lesions in his lungs that are cancerous. Sammy will continue chemo after he’s recovered from surgery, in hopes of killing any small amounts in his blood or lungs that may still be there.

One thing is for certain: Sammy is a light to all around him. He is a fighter. He has been fighting this last year in such a positive way, smiling his way through—an inspiration to others. We are so proud of who he is. His faith, strength, resiliency, and joy have been a gift to all of us, and we take our lead from him.

The slogan for our lives, from the community of Neepawa, MB supporting us—our hometown—has been “Sammy Strong.” Sammy’s wish is that when people see this slogan, they will remember they are strong enough to face whatever hard thing is in their own lives at the time.”

Congratulations, Sammy. We are proud to celebrate this moment with you! Sammy Strong, always! ❤️🎗️