January 9, 2024: Off to school (Day +274)

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 · by kathy howe

After 1.5 years of schooling from home,, 70+ days from the hospital, 6 months of chemo, 2.5 months of blina, 15+ blood transfusions, too many lumbar punctures  to count, 8+ platelet transfusions, 28 lbs lost in the first 2 weeks of treatment (from a muscular 165 lb 6 ft 1 inch athletic frame), a bone marrow transplant, level 2 GvHD, steroids (which he hates most of all), losing his hair twice, having his face swell up like a full moon (FU steroids!) twice, Sam donned his cammo pants, his black shirt and black sweatshirt (hallmarks of seniors at Paly (Palo Alto High School), got into his Bronco and drove to school this morning.

He even let me take a couple of snaps. ❤️

Thank you all for your love and support getting him and us to this day. We couldn’t be happier that he gets to be in person for his senior spring. 

Happy birthday to John! 

#FULeukemia

#FUChildhoodCancer

#TeamSamStrong

♥ 40 hearts

23 comments

hunter walk · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
so amazing!!!!
Blake Korb · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Great day all around!!
Dawn Robertson · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
The best. Sam looks fantastic. HBD to John!
Rebecca Sheddrick · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Love this so much!
Jim Mack · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Brings tears to my eyes! Thrilling!
Erin Lavik · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Whoo hooo!!! Fabulous
Jennifer White · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
What a joyful update and wonderful photos! Such a journey for you all. Congratulations.
Alan Korb · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
What a blessed day!
Paige, Zac, Max, and Bel Cook · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
What a DAY!!!! Happy Birthday, John!!!!
Imran Maskatia · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Awesome.
Jim Sturtevant · Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Awesome news! Sam, we're all so happy for you and your family. What an inspiration! HBD, John
Joe Shortt · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Nice smile and Bronco !!
eve blossom · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Love this post so much! What a great way to start off 2024 and to create great senior year memories!
David Hornik · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Love it!
J'Ann Schoonmaker Allen · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Such wonderful news! Way to celebrate your birthday, John
Helen Yeni-Komshian · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Yes!!!!! Wonderful day! A cause for celebration! 🎉
Liz O'Donoghue · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Wow! Amazing. ❤️
Suchi Sairam · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Such an incredible day ❤️
Gowri G · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
It was so fun to see him on campus. Looking forward to running into him a lot this term 😃
Sean White · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Congrats on the milestone!
Zahra K · Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Yaaay! Go Sam! I hope it's a fabulous Senior Spring semester with all of the normality of school and all of the fun things that come with the end of HS. Also, Happy Birthday, John! <3
Cindy McLaughlin · Thursday, January 11, 2024
Go Sam and Happy Birthday John!!! Sam, have a most-excellent rest of year. You deserve every bit of fun this semester.
Palon Shuster · Thursday, January 11, 2024
This makes my heart happy!