Samantha had symptoms for more than 6 months varying from shortness of breath to fatigue, and infections. She finally went to the hospital and after a series of tests, Samantha learned that she had AML.

Her treatment has included chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant from a 33-year-old male in Poland.

Her diagnosis has had such a profound impact on her life that she has decided that she would like to pursue a career as a pediatric oncology nurse. She is a rising senior at St. Bernard's Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg.

In Samantha's spare time she enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends, and helping with her former softball team, for which her father is the coach.