Samantha was an inspiration in many peoples lives. She lived like she didn't have cancer at most times and made the most of her life. She did countless fundraisers and raised several thousands of dollars for the Terry Fox Foundation. I do not know the exact number she raised, and donations in her name are surely not over. She was definately a fighter and one of the bravest people I have ever known.
This is a copy of a speach she gave at a fundraisher in September 2009-
Im Samantha Mattersdorfer, Im 18 years old and I am battling cancer.
It was april 08 11:30pm, just last year. I was in this little office cramed in like a bunch of sardines with the doctor, my mom and my little brother. Dr. Stephen Maloon looked so hesitant. It was like he didnt know what to tell me or how to say it.
all I can remember is looking at the computer screen and seeing that my left femur bone in my leg looked pretty different then the right but Im no medical doctor how am I suppose to know what going on. Im only 17. Dr. Maloons words still ring in my head “Samantha this doesnt look good”
He finally came out and told me that I had Osteosarcoma. The cancer, had been eatting through my bone marrow , broke outside of the femur bone and started growing on my left knee. He said it looked like I had Osteosarcoma 6-8 before I even had any symptoms or pains. He was so shocked that I was walking on it because the bone was so hollow.
Im not the type to cry or shed emotions but one single tear ran down my face, “ Well, what do we do about it.” I asked. I still remember the look on my moms face or the doctor. I know they probably thought I didnt get it but I did. Cancer was going to be my new life.
On the way home we had to pick up crutches. I couldnt risk breaking the bone. It felt so surreal. I didnt know what just happened. I sat around for at least 2 weeks before chemo started. Just try to research and find out more about this cancer. I felt like I needed to figure this out. The cancer is so under researched and lacking in information I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again.
We got all packed up and put into the car for my first chemo with my overnight bag and my crutches. I remember not wanting to go. I dont know if it was from my stubborn personality or from the dislike of hospitals but I really didnt want to do this. I knew though that this was the best
Chemo Day One- Went terrible. My mom stayed the whole day with me. It was so late and she needed to get home. She could have stayed but a tired mom wouldnt have been any help to me. She agreed to leave around 2:30am. And come back around 6ish. At 4am the same morning, I rolled over to throw up and I heard something crack, followed by a sharp pain. I broke my leg.
I let out the loudest scream while frantically hitting the panic button. I didnt know what to do. I was more upset with myself because I broke the one rule set by the doctors, do not break your leg!
I knew what would happen if I broke my leg. It was given, I wouldnt get to keep my leg and get the rods put into where my hollow femur was. My leg would hvve to be removed to save my life and I would have to give the permission to do so. 7 days later after the break, while in so much pain and upset, I got transfered to VGH.
Surgery was scheduled for the morning after arrival. After the 4 hour surgery. I woke up. It was adifferent sight to see something you were born with to be removed and never be able to have your leg again. I had such a need to be normal, that after the surgery I was moving around and adjusting to my new miniture leg in ICU.
5 month ago, I was diagnosed with Terminal Osteosarcoma Me-tast-isis. The cancer has now spread to both my lungs through my bloodstream. I have a combined total of 20 tumors. Broken up into 10 in each lung. This was a 90% chance after I broke my leg. Now with a 20% survival rate after 5 years and no option to do surgery. I just hope to raise awareness.
There isnt many people like Terry Fox and myself, which can have both disadvantages and advantages. I hope every year when I raise funds that I am helping others like ourselves. Without the Terry Fox foundation we could still be at square one with no answers. I dont only do this run for bone cancer, I do this for everyone who has been touched with cancer. People who have survived, people who have passed away, people like myself who battle it everyday. One day I know with everyones help, cancer will be gone.
Last Terry Fox Run I did it while in my 5th round of chemo. It was something very important to my family. In five days I raised $8000 dollars. This year, I broke that record.
My father works for TSI Terminals. I had an opportunity to raise more money for the foundation with a sponsership from TSI. The opportunity was that TSI will match the amount that I raise by myself dollar to dollar to make my grand total way bigger. I would love to announce that at this moment with the TSI dollar match I have a combined total of.....
$ 14,640
I could write about her forever about her abundant heart, kindness, comical attitude. I remeber working with her she was always full of energy and joking around. She meant a great deal in my life even though I didn't get to see her much because of her condition. She was always in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Samantha Mattersdorfer
November 26 1990-November 9 2010
I will always remember you and this night.
And your love for twilight, the Canucks and the Bc Lions
