since we've posted.
Sam is cured of his cancer. He is running on the streets of gold and hanging out with Jesus!
But there are still way too many kids that have cancer. Sam's mom and dad started a foundation called the "Sam Bish Foundation" to help other families that have kids with cancer.
I know that you can agree that "CANCER STINKS". I really miss my friend, Sam. I know that he's cured and doesn't have pain and doesn't have to be in the hospital...but I really wish I could play with him again. He was teaching me how to play games on his Wii!
Anyway...I am still raising money but now for Sam's Foundation. I am only asking for each person to send me $1. Sam's mom is collecting pj's for the kids on floor J5 at the hospital where Sam spent so much time. I want to raise $300 to buy lots of pj's on Black Friday so I can help.
Will YOU help me help?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I have a story to share...
This is a great story...but it's kinda happy and kinda sad. I want to tell you about my Sam Dog.
OK....MOM's GOING TO FINISH THE STORY.
We arrived home from Sam's house. We had dinner and Sam Dog got the extra seat at the table. And this is where things get a bit crazy. Zachary went out to be with his dad and I had to go to work. Sam Dog sat at the dinner table....until Zachary's new puppy Danny got ahold of him. Danny pulled both of Sam Dog's eyes out. Less than 5 hours after we got him. I got the call at work from a hysterical 9-year-old that was ready to get rid of his dog because of what he did. I tried to calm him down and told him that we would take Sam back to Build-a-Bear and see if he could be fixed.
The next day, I took Sam Dog to B-a-B. The same lady that had helped Zachary build Sam was working. She remembered us, she remembered all Zachary had said about his best buddy Samuel, she remembered the tears. She took Sam Dog and told me that there was 1 doctor, Dr. Robin, that takes care of all the sick and hurt build-a-bears. I heard that it would likely be 6-8 weeks before Sam Dog would come home to us.
There were many talks about how we wanted to fix BOTH Sam's. How life is just not fair.
The call went out for a prayer vigil for Samuel. That God would heal him, either here on earth or to heal him in heaven. Well, you can see the email that went out below. Our family prayed. Hard on our knees. We cried. We asked for God's will...and pleaded that His will would be ours and that we would hear of a miracle. Zachary called his little "girl friend" Hannah and the two of them prayed and talked of Sam. (Which will lead to another story I'll post.)
Samuel was healed during the prayer vigil...just not in the way we had hoped.
One week later, Zachary and I went down to Columbus for the visitation for Samuel. It was such a delight to see all his cherished toys and things everywhere. Zachary was looking for Samuel's Sam Dog, but we didn't see it. What he didn't know was, Build-a-Bear Easton had called me as we were walking out the door to let me know that Sam Dog was back from the "hospital". After only one week!!! After spending time near Sam and his family, after spending time writing down some of our memories for the family...we left. Obviously, I had a very somber little boy in my car. We have dealt with many deaths this past summer. Zachary's beloved Stormy (dog) was hit by a truck in front of our house. My grandmother passed a month before Sam, another little girl that we had been involved with praying and sending cards for passed a week before Sam, and now Sam. I drove to Easton and he didn't even look up. Finally after pulling into a meter spot near the front doors, he looked. The joy that broke through the tears was so precious. He realized he was going to be reunited with one of "his Sams".
We went into the store, and the ladies there were again so wonderful to us. We told them we were there to pick up our Sam Dog. Zachary shared that we had just come from seeing Sam and how he was now healed. He wandered off and I could talk with the sales assistant. I thanked her for how quick Sam Dog came back...she said that she had called Dr. Robin and explained the situation and Sam Dog was seen "STAT". Zachary came back and was holding a "Build-a-Bear" cell phone. Being somewhat strapped for cash, I opened my mouth to tell him that I couldn't buy anything else today...until he looked at me and said, "Could I have this phone, so Sam Dog and I can call Sam in heaven??" Of course...what could I do? For the 45 minute drive home, Zachary and Sam Dog "talked" to Sam in heaven. I heard things that broke my 'mama heart' and also made me feel like he was dealing better than I was.
Sam Dog went with us the to Celebration of Life the following day. And to the grave side. Since then, Sam Dog has gone everywhere with us. The grocery store, church, you name it. He's been back to see where Sam's earthly body is resting. He's handled lots of tears and plenty of hugs. And frequently, I hear conversations with heaven.
Sam's Mom emailled my mom that Sam was not going to have to be in the hospital any more. I was very happy and excited, until my mom told me it was because they couldn't fix Sam's cancer anymore. Every single day I asked to go see Sam. He had lots of visitors and had lots of days that he didn't feel well enough for me to come see him. Still EVER.SINGLE.DAY I asked my mom if we could go to his house. I wanted to just be with him.
My Dad said that I should come up with a stuffed friend that I could put all my love to Sam into and then we could give it to Sam so my love would be right there even though I couldn't be. So I took the Build-a-Bear gift card that I got for my birthday last year and Mom and I went to Easton.
I built 2 dogs that looked exactly the same. I named mine Sam. I'm not sure what Sam named his. I told the ladies at Build-a-Bear all about my friend Sam.
I kinda cryed when I was putting the love into the heart before we put the heart in the dog. My Mom was crying too. The ladies at the store were so nice to us.
They put a big ribbon on Sam's dog and all 4 of the colored ribbons on his house. Then we went to Sam's house to give him his dog.
I kinda cryed when I was putting the love into the heart before we put the heart in the dog. My Mom was crying too. The ladies at the store were so nice to us.
Sam was asleep and very sick. He didn't even wake up to see me or his dog. His mom said she would tell him it was from me...I wanted to tell her about all the love that I had put in it and how I wanted to be with Sam every single day...but my voice wouldn't work. I didn't get to tell her. I never got to tell Sam. I wanted to hug and be with my friend, but I din't get to. So the whole way home I held my Sam Dog and squeezed him like I wanted to do with my real friend.
OK....MOM's GOING TO FINISH THE STORY.
We arrived home from Sam's house. We had dinner and Sam Dog got the extra seat at the table. And this is where things get a bit crazy. Zachary went out to be with his dad and I had to go to work. Sam Dog sat at the dinner table....until Zachary's new puppy Danny got ahold of him. Danny pulled both of Sam Dog's eyes out. Less than 5 hours after we got him. I got the call at work from a hysterical 9-year-old that was ready to get rid of his dog because of what he did. I tried to calm him down and told him that we would take Sam back to Build-a-Bear and see if he could be fixed.
The next day, I took Sam Dog to B-a-B. The same lady that had helped Zachary build Sam was working. She remembered us, she remembered all Zachary had said about his best buddy Samuel, she remembered the tears. She took Sam Dog and told me that there was 1 doctor, Dr. Robin, that takes care of all the sick and hurt build-a-bears. I heard that it would likely be 6-8 weeks before Sam Dog would come home to us.
There were many talks about how we wanted to fix BOTH Sam's. How life is just not fair.
The call went out for a prayer vigil for Samuel. That God would heal him, either here on earth or to heal him in heaven. Well, you can see the email that went out below. Our family prayed. Hard on our knees. We cried. We asked for God's will...and pleaded that His will would be ours and that we would hear of a miracle. Zachary called his little "girl friend" Hannah and the two of them prayed and talked of Sam. (Which will lead to another story I'll post.)
Samuel was healed during the prayer vigil...just not in the way we had hoped.
One week later, Zachary and I went down to Columbus for the visitation for Samuel. It was such a delight to see all his cherished toys and things everywhere. Zachary was looking for Samuel's Sam Dog, but we didn't see it. What he didn't know was, Build-a-Bear Easton had called me as we were walking out the door to let me know that Sam Dog was back from the "hospital". After only one week!!! After spending time near Sam and his family, after spending time writing down some of our memories for the family...we left. Obviously, I had a very somber little boy in my car. We have dealt with many deaths this past summer. Zachary's beloved Stormy (dog) was hit by a truck in front of our house. My grandmother passed a month before Sam, another little girl that we had been involved with praying and sending cards for passed a week before Sam, and now Sam. I drove to Easton and he didn't even look up. Finally after pulling into a meter spot near the front doors, he looked. The joy that broke through the tears was so precious. He realized he was going to be reunited with one of "his Sams".
We went into the store, and the ladies there were again so wonderful to us. We told them we were there to pick up our Sam Dog. Zachary shared that we had just come from seeing Sam and how he was now healed. He wandered off and I could talk with the sales assistant. I thanked her for how quick Sam Dog came back...she said that she had called Dr. Robin and explained the situation and Sam Dog was seen "STAT". Zachary came back and was holding a "Build-a-Bear" cell phone. Being somewhat strapped for cash, I opened my mouth to tell him that I couldn't buy anything else today...until he looked at me and said, "Could I have this phone, so Sam Dog and I can call Sam in heaven??" Of course...what could I do? For the 45 minute drive home, Zachary and Sam Dog "talked" to Sam in heaven. I heard things that broke my 'mama heart' and also made me feel like he was dealing better than I was.
Sam Dog went with us the to Celebration of Life the following day. And to the grave side. Since then, Sam Dog has gone everywhere with us. The grocery store, church, you name it. He's been back to see where Sam's earthly body is resting. He's handled lots of tears and plenty of hugs. And frequently, I hear conversations with heaven.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Zachary's Monarch
Cindy, Samuel's Mom, has been having "Butterfly Moments" with Monarch Butterflies. I'll post soon what she has posted about this...but they are comforted that Sam is sending messages to them. 
Here's the Monarch that came to stay with us for a day. Even after Zachary tried to release it, it just stayed on the back porch.
We did a unit study on the migration of the monarch and found out that in Mexico where they winter, the legend is that each butterfly is the soul of a departed loved one, and they are all back becore the "Dia de los Muertos" The Day of the Dead where they celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
How cool!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
From Mom....
Samuel earned his angel wings at 7:07PM surrounded by his family in his bed at home. Samuel is now healed, cancer free, running on both legs again.
Our lives, especially my son's, has been forever changed. We will again face the day in prayer for Sam's family, and the half a million lives (no exaggeration-that's how many unique visits his caringbridge site has) he touched. And also for my boy, as we deal with another loved one, gone for now...to been reunited when we have completed our mission here.
Thank you for your prayers.
Rickki
We are still collecting funds for the Bish family personally, and Zachary is still determined to do his bike ride, but now it will be a memorial bike ride. Please consider helping as they still have many medical bills that no parent should have to worry about right after losing their precious son to this disease.
The following is about the new Sam Bish foundation that is being set up.
Our lives, especially my son's, has been forever changed. We will again face the day in prayer for Sam's family, and the half a million lives (no exaggeration-that's how many unique visits his caringbridge site has) he touched. And also for my boy, as we deal with another loved one, gone for now...to been reunited when we have completed our mission here.
Thank you for your prayers.
Rickki
We are still collecting funds for the Bish family personally, and Zachary is still determined to do his bike ride, but now it will be a memorial bike ride. Please consider helping as they still have many medical bills that no parent should have to worry about right after losing their precious son to this disease.
The following is about the new Sam Bish foundation that is being set up.
" For 375 days, Sam showed us what it is to be a true JEDI. . . May he rest in Peace and soar in glory. He was on this earth for 3,494 days. . . He wanted to "live" for the next 50 years, well, Samuel I will make sure you will! A True JEDI, never to be forgotten.
I promised Sammy if he wouldn't live for 50 years, I would make sure his name NEVER died. . .well, Sammy may be gone physically, BUT his name will carry on. . .I will tell you I haven't figured out all the logistics of it all, but this foundation will be made to support families with children battling this disease (Sammy's Jedis), and to bring smiles to their faces ("Smiles from Sam")
The Samuel Bish Foundation" on Facebook
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
We finally have a date!
The Bike-a-thon is set for September 11th with a celebration cookout for friends, family and contributors at our farm. We are hoping that Sam will be feeling well and can come to the party along with his family.
I am excited to ride. I've been working on my bike with my dad who is going to ride with me. We've been riding 5-10 miles every week and I ride all over our farm. My goal is to ride 20 miles. I would like to raise $1000 for my friend and his family.
I am hoping it will not be as hot in September. Less bugs, too! I hope you will contribute to my ride so I can help Sam & his family. I hope you can come out to the party when I get done with my ride.
If you would like to sponsor me, you can send money through chip in, or send a check to my mom. She'll add it all up and give it to the Bish family at the party. Could you spare a $1? Or even a $1 a mile?? (That would be $20)
Thanks for reading my blog.
Zachary
I am excited to ride. I've been working on my bike with my dad who is going to ride with me. We've been riding 5-10 miles every week and I ride all over our farm. My goal is to ride 20 miles. I would like to raise $1000 for my friend and his family.
I am hoping it will not be as hot in September. Less bugs, too! I hope you will contribute to my ride so I can help Sam & his family. I hope you can come out to the party when I get done with my ride.
If you would like to sponsor me, you can send money through chip in, or send a check to my mom. She'll add it all up and give it to the Bish family at the party. Could you spare a $1? Or even a $1 a mile?? (That would be $20)
Thanks for reading my blog.
Zachary
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sam's Second Surgery
Hi again! Sam just came home from his second lung surgery. His mom says he is cancer free for the first time since August. But the fight against his cancer isn't done.
I have been blessed with some really nice donations for my ride. I donated to a lady who was paddling her surfboard for miles and miles and a whale came and swam along!!! WOW! She was raising $100,000 for Breast Cancer and they are over that. Isn't that cool. I want to do the same thing for Sam. Some person from New York saw my donation and the website and donated to my fund raiser.
My mom and I want to bless Sam and his families socks off. I'd love to raise $1000, but even more would be even better!
I am going to ride my bike 20 miles on May 15th. (So is my mom-well going to ride Her bike, not mine Haha!) We are still looking at our route but it may be from Sam's church to his house. Mom says there aren't very many roads that are bike friendly on that ride so she's looking for maybe something else that is safer.
I am asking for just $1 per mile or even just $1 per person. Please send my blog to as many people as you know that could help me. And when I finally figure out where I'm riding, you can come see if you want! I've sent my blog to a few of my mom's favorite "famous" bloggers but they are too busy I guess so I am asking if you could send it to lots and lots of regular bloggers that have a big heart for one boy wanting to bless his best friend and his family.
Oh, and mom said she'll post a picture here of Sam and me playing Wii right after his first lung surgery.
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