Community Hero 2007
Samuel W. Marx
Sam, 18, is an exceptional student. He excels in advanced curriculum, is active in student government, and serves as an Eagle Scout. He’s known to be a master debater, not to mention a talented musician, playing the piano, trumpet, and guitar. He enjoys soccer and running cross country. So you can imagine how difficult it was for Sam to miss out on his senior year of high school after being diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumor in 2006.
Surgery to remove several tumors, attempts at stem cell harvest, and the placement of a nasal-gastric tube are just a few of the tough treatments and procedures Sam has bravely endured. That’s in addition to the many side effects of chemotherapy he’s experienced, such as fever, nausea, and fatigue.
Throughout this daunting journey, Sam continues to look at the bright side. He’s thankful that the situation has brought him closer to his family. And he’d advise others facing serious illness to “do everything possible to improve your condition, try your best to live a normal life, and don’t forget your friends and family. Search for something in each day that makes you happy and focus on that.”
Sam’s parents, Jerry and Maggie, are constantly amazed by their son’s patience, strength, poise, and courage living with cancer.
