Like many boys, Sam loved playing sports – primarily basketball and football. At 6’5″ and 230 lbs. in the 10th grade, Sam was already a college prospect. But in the fall of 2002, X-rays of a nagging stress fracture in Sam’s left knee revealed the unthinkable… the diagnosis of bone cancer (osteosarcoma).
After an exhausting three months of chemotherapy, surgery to save his knee, and then more chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer, the news was bleak. Only 50% of the tumor had been killed, putting him into a high-risk group. His odds for survival dropped from the 75% to considerably less.
Even after hearing the news that his football career was over, he didn’t give up. He decided to play baseball. Although it did’t come easy, particularly with a prosthetic knee, he managed to pitch for a highly competitive East Cobb team, winning the final game of a world series in Tampa. Although he never would achieve elite athletic status, he fought to realize his dream of being part of a winning team.
Four and half years later, Sam and his family thought he had beaten his cancer demons. And then, more bad news. In the spring of 2007, Sam began to experience fatigue and discomfort in his lungs. The lung scan revealed that a grapefruit sized mass had taken over his lungs and chest cavity.
While many doctors felt the surgery to remove the tumor was life-threatening, one brave surgeon agreed with Sam to go for the “long ball” and remove the tumor…and a lung. Sam never made it off the operating table. The tumor was too difficult to extricate. But in many ways, the outcome was blessed. Sam never wanted sympathy, nor did he ever act like a sick person. He was good at everything except one thing – being sick.
Sam may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. The Sam Robb Fund will ensure that his spirit and determination to live life, no matter what the cards may hold, will live on to benefit others. So, too, will his mantra continue to inspired children facing childhood cancer: “Fightin Till the Last Breath.”
Purpose of The Sam Robb Fund
The goal of the Sam Robbs is two-fold. Helping to train young pediatric oncologist as well as giving childhood cancer survivors the ability to return to a “normal” life.
The Sam Robb Fellow at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Services of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine
We believe it is critically important to help train young doctors who may make significant contributions to finding cures for childhood cancers, and we know Sam would be proud to support their education. These doctors care for children with cancer with unmatched skill and dedication, and the importance of providing them with the very best training and preparation for this vital and difficult work cannot be overstated.
Sam Robb Prosthetic Scholarship Fund
Sam was determined to live life to the fullest and never let cancer rob him of the joys of life. This scholarship helps defray the costs of prosthetic devices for children with cancer who cannot afford to purchase or maintain them. The hope is that with the proper prosthetic devices, childhood cancer survivors can return to a lifestyle that brings them happiness. Just as Sam did.
Introducing our new Sam Robb Research Fellow: Dr. Nicole Schesinger
Dr. Nicole Schesinger grew up in Long Island New York, went to Cornell University for undergraduate training and New York Medical College for medical school. She did her pediatric residency in Denver Colorado. Dr. Schesinger is hoping to do research in targeted drug therapies for childhood malignancies.
How To Donate to The Sam Robb Fund
Click here to donate online and chose “Sam Robb Fund” in the Program section. Your gift will be directed accordingly.
Checks can be made out to CURE Childhood Cancer, with “Sam Robb Fund” written on the notes line. Mail checks to: CURE Childhood Cancer, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite N-402, Atlanta, GA 30338
Special Events to Benefit The Sam Robb Fund
The Sam Robb Memorial 5K/1 Mile Fun Run
Race will be held at Newtown Park in John’s Creek on Saturday, February 4, 2012. For 2011 race results, click here.
For additional information about these events, please visit www.samrobb.com
