Samantha was diagnosed with a brain tumor (Medulloblastoma) on January 21, 2009. She was 4 years old at the time and had surgery to remove the tumor on January 23, 2009. After surgery, Samantha was basically a vegetable. She was in PICU because they did not know why she did not come around after surgery. She spent 17 days at Children's Memorial Hospital before being sent to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago for 2 months. She underwent 6 weeks of radiation to the brain and spine and endured weekly chemo during radiation. She is currently undergoing 9 cycles of chemo. She has MRIs performed every 3 months. Even though she has already endured over a year's worth of painful procedures, she is still a happy, go-lucky little girl. She is a very strong child. Samantha is a shy, easy-going little girl who knows what she wants when she wants it. She does things on her terms and at her leisure. She is very independent. She loves animals, crafts, and the beach. She is becoming an aspiring artist. There is not a day that goes by that she does not color or do a craft of some sort. She loves to go swimming and playing in the sand. She is always fascinated with animals and has 2 dogs, 1 cat, and fish. She likes to collect stuffed toys, mostly animals. She also loves to watch movies. Samantha does not like to be cold. She also does not like to be touched under her chin (because it is VERY ticklish).