Sami has a special place in our hearts. As a little girl, she had lots of energy. Sami could be found running up and down St. James Weekday Preschool hallways helping her mom with the little kids. She knew everyone by name, and let's just say, she was not shy. While many things have changed through the years, she still holds these traits and makes friends very easily. As she grows older, her love for writing and reading has also grown. She is not afraid to say what she is thinking or feeling! Sami is a social butterfly. She loves and is loved by many people! In the fifth grade, she found out that her dad had melanoma that spread into his lungs. It was very hard for her, but her faith remained strong. One of Sami's favorite verses to help her through this time was Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Her father, Steve began his battle and had his ups and downs throughout the next year. Sami was baptized the summer after sixth grade on a summer retreat at Myrtle Beach. During this time, her dad taught her to play the guitar and she began to help lead the youth service at Crossroads Fellowship Church. This would be a time when God's love gave her a peace and strength to deal with her Dad's battle. Seventh grade brought about another reoccurrence of her Dad's cancer. While enjoying soccer, FCA, and other 7th grade activities, Sami had to begin dealing with the painful reality of her Dad's sickness. During this time, Sami began to have pains in her knee and sometimes in her left leg. The physical therapist gave her stretches to do for her "growing pains". She would stretch diligently even while at school. However, Sami's pain began to grow in February. The week of March 3rd, Sami had to miss school due to a scheduled MRI. On Friday, March 7th, Sami found out from her orthopedic doctor that she had a tumor on her pelvic bone. The standard treatment plan will be completed in February 2015 with another set of scans on February 23rd, so please PRAY for great results. To God be the Glory!