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Canton teen who recently died of cancer honored by New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction program

Posted 5/31/17

CANTON -- A local teen who died this month after helping to raise thousands of dollars for local cancer patients while fighting a brain tumor herself has been posthumously honored by the New York …

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Canton teen who recently died of cancer honored by New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction program

Posted

CANTON -- A local teen who died this month after helping to raise thousands of dollars for local cancer patients while fighting a brain tumor herself has been posthumously honored by the New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction program.

Samantha “Sami” Curtis, who raised over $100,000 in memory of her mother for the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund, died of cancer on May 18.

Last year, Curtis had a malignant brain tumor removed. Within weeks, she and her friends organized a major fundraising event called “Help Sami Kick Cancer,” which raised $62,000 for the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund. Last year, she was awarded the New York State Senate’s Liberty Award for raising more than $100,000 to fight cancer.

At 13 years old, Curtis was asked to join the Board of the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund, making her the youngest person ever to serve as a member of its board of directors. Over the years, she has continued to raise thousands of dollars for local cancer charities and programs to help local cancer patients and their families.

“Sami has helped raise awareness about breast cancer and all forms of the disease, made people realize the importance of early detection,” said Senator Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, in a prepared statement announcing the award. “By her example, she has inspired countless others from the Canton Golden Bears Women’s Basketball team to St. Lawrence University’s athletes to join her personal campaign to help find a cure and help those who suffer from this deadly disease.”

Those wanting to support Curtis’s efforts can donate to “Help Sami Kick Cancer” c/o The St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund, PO Box 291, Canton NY 13617. People can also donate to the Evergreen Cemetery, 256 Potter Road, Canton NY 13617; or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Highway 11, Potsdam NY 13676. Those writing checks should specify “Sami” in the memo.