Sam loved life. She loved people and helping others. Those of us lucky enough to know her are forever blessed. Sam had a way of making you love her and those around her by just smiling. No matter how hard cancer or her treatment was, she could still smile through it. Every day she would share her smile with strangers and friends alike, and we would forget about her pain for a brief moment. So today and every day, share a little bit of Sam with someone, smile at them, and make their day a little better.
Samantha Trost, known as Sammy Jo
(May 23, 1988- January 19, 2009)
Samantha Trost, known as Sammy Jo, (May 23, 1988- January 19, 2009) was born and raised in Virginia Beach. She attended King’s Grant Elementary, Lynnhaven Middle School, and First Colonial High School.
Sam loved music, the Red Sox, and was an accomplished pole vaulter.
At the end of her sophomore year of high school
She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, bone cancer, in her right tibia. The treatment entailed chemotherapy and a surgical limb salvage procedure that removed her bone and inserted a titanium rod in its place.
After a year of treatment
She was in remission and returned to her senior year of high school where she graduated from First Colonial High School with honors. Prior to entering her freshman year of college at East Carolina University, she found a lump and was again back into treatment, this time for radiation and chemotherapy.
Months later
She was again deemed in remission, and off to ECU. Halfway through her sophomore year at ECU she discovered a mass behind her knee and this time the treatment was an above knee amputation.
Within months
She was back at ECU with her new prosthetic leg.
Unfortunately
The cancer had metastasized into her lungs and she lost her courageous battle in January of 2009. Her spirit, smile, and legacy live on through Samantha Makes It a Little Easier, Inc. SMILE.