For the love of Samantha

Everyone faces struggles and this past August brought an unimaginable obstacle for Samantha Bodger with the diagnosis of high-grade osteosarcoma in her tibia. Bodger is a 16-year-old junior at Granite Hills High School. While she can be described by her excellent academics or athletics as a long time soccer player, I know her as a best friend and I have been lucky enough to witness her strength. She is an incredible example of our generation. 

Everyone faces struggles and this past August brought an unimaginable obstacle for Samantha Bodger with the diagnosis of high-grade osteosarcoma in her tibia. Bodger is a 16-year-old junior at Granite Hills High School. While she can be described by her excellent academics or athletics as a long time soccer player, I know her as a best friend and I have been lucky enough to witness her strength. She is an incredible example of our generation. 

She is now undergoing chemotherapy, which will extend over ten months time, along with a major surgery in November. Throughout all of this treatment she has kept her smile, which is infectious. With all that is going on she tells me that she focuses on staying positive by thinking of all the wonderful aspects in her life that make her fortunate.

Although she is facing grueling treatment and a dreadful disease, she presents wisdom far beyond her 16 years, serving as advice for everyone to gain better perspective within their own problems.

Although it could be easy for her to dwell in her own illness she believes she has a bright future ahead of her and looks at that and finds strength to carry on an move forward. This is only a small piece of her life and she is determined to hold onto her positive outlook of what is yet to come.

Bodger has also been amazed by the kindness people have shown. While her fight is not an easy one, it has been an opportunity for others to extend their generosity and show their love for her.

Spending time with her shows me how genuinely thankful she is for all the support she receives. It is incredible how everyone has been brought together to help such a special girl.

The crucial procedures and treatments are not cheap. Her family and friends developed several “SamFam” sites online where people can make donations and show their support. Also there will be a fundraiser, “Singin’ For Sam”, on Nov. 11 in Alpine, that will include music, silent auction, raffle, pizza, baked goods, warm beverages, shirts, bracelets, and bumper stickers! It will not only be a fun event but also it is in the spirit of helping an ideal model of East County’s youth.

The fundraiser is even more special because Bodger will be attending and she is excited to take part in the festivities.

She cannot wait to meet all the people who are willing to help her in this fight. It is right before her major surgery, so she will be able to truly enjoy the event. It will be amazing to have a night dedicated to her, and even better, we get to enjoy it with her.

Her story is inspiring because while she faces the unfathomable, she never leaves behind her positive attitude and endless strength. She proves there is beauty even in the worst of times. You can visit the SamFam You Caring site online, hwww.youcaring.com/samantha-bodger-630843, to show support through donations and kind messages to help this brave fight against osteosarcoma.