Samantha was 16 when she was diagnosed with a stage III germ cell tumor of her right ovary. She was experiencing severe cramps and abdominal pain. After tests and scans, we were told that Samantha had a 23cm, 5 pound tumor in her abdomen. Samantha had an emergency exploratory laparotomy to remove the tumor. Pathology reports later confirmed that it was a malignant, germ cell tumor, yolk sac type, that had originated in her right ovary. The tumor had started twisting and the cancer cells spread inside her abdomen. Samantha was immediately referred to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago for chemotherapy treatment. She fought hard and endured so much over the last year. Samantha and her family are forever thankful and grateful to all of the doctors, nurses and specialists who helped her become cancer free. The cancer families and organizations were supportive, beyond kind and extremely generous. There were so many amazing people and organizations that were there for us from the very beginning, every step of the way. We know we could not have gotten through this without all of the love, prayers and support from our families, friends and community. Thank you for supporting Samantha and the more than 300,000 kids worldwide who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. By sharing the gifts of your time, talent and money with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, you're supporting research to give all kids with cancer a better chance for a cure.