Dear Friends,
In December 2017, Ms. Samantha Hopf Ahimovic, a first grade teacher at Van Holten Elementary School became an angel. Samantha bravely battled a rare form of kidney cancer. Throughout her ordeal, as she did before her diagnosis, Samantha tackled life with a kind heart and a smile on her face that lit up every room she walked into. Samantha leaves behind her adoring husband and three elementary age children.
From the very first days that St. Baldrick’s came to Bridgewater, Samantha was there supporting her student-shavees. When Samantha was first diagnosed with cancer, she received donations from friends and family to offset medical bills. What few people know, was that Samantha turned around and donated that money to St. Baldrick’s to help children she would never meet battle cancer. Samantha’s selflessness and smile will always remain in our mind and hearts.
With her husband’s blessing, I am dedicating this year’s St. Baldrick’s event to honor the memory and celebrate the life of Samantha. I ask all of you to join us on March 16, 2018 at Eisenhower Intermediate School. In addition to raising monies for St. Baldrick’s we will have separate fundraisers to raise money for a scholarship fund for Samantha’s children.
I understand that this has been a difficult time for Samantha’s family, colleagues, current and past students. I hope that you will join us on March 16, 2018 to honor one of the district’s best teachers/wife/daughter/mother.
To participate as a shavee, please go to the following link:
https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/brconquerkidscancer
As in years past, young ladies who wish to cut their hair for Locks of Love or Beautiful Lengths should sign up as a volunteer and raise money for St. Baldrick's. They will need to cut their hair in advance of the event.
There will be a DJ, basket auction, food, activities for kids, new hairdos, smiles and tears. Let us all come together to make this year's event a success for St. Baldrick's and Samantha's family.
Humbly yours,
Michael Schwartz
