Samantha Wheeler
2000 – 2005
Community Hero 2005
Samantha used to spend hours upon hours playing with puzzles, coloring and drawing. What she liked most about her favorite food—spaghetti and meatballs—was twirling noodles with her fork. Disney movies, her cat Ethel and Walt Disney’s Shrek CD soundtrack were also among her list of favorites things. And given how much she absolutely loved swim class, her mother, Jennie, is convinced that Samantha was part fish.
Originally diagnosed in 2003 with a fast-growing highly malignant tumor, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Samantha relapsed last fall. Needless to say, needle pokes, painful procedures and arduous treatments were a regular part of Samantha’s young life.
In her four short years, Samantha possessed a certain, quiet courage far beyond her age. According to her mom, she remained brave, positive and happy throughout the difficult battle—and was always ready to play. “Samantha was a fighter and wouldn’t let cancer set her back. She lived life to the fullest. And she will forever be remembered as a beautiful little girl who loved everything and all other people.”
