After years of trying to have a baby, Samantha and Fred Johansen’s prayers were answered.
Frederick Knox was born on November 4, 2016. Samantha is tough, but tiny – so carrying an 8lb + baby wasn’t easy (carrying babies in general isn’t easy!). Surprisingly, symptoms and pains that were associated with pregnancy didn’t go away as expected. Just 7 weeks after Knox’s birth, tests revealed a tumor. Days later, Sam was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer with numerous metastatic tumors on her liver.
Family, church family, friends and colleagues know that Sam is a ray
of sunshine. Her outer beauty is nothing compared to her amazing
kindness, compassion and selflessness. She is joyful and loving – and
she is determined to fight AND beat this.
Sam is deeply loved by
so many people. Now is the time she needs your love, prayers and
support as she undergoes treatment. First and foremost, please pray
for Sam, her new baby, Fred and her family. Second believe in Sam and
her strength to kick this awful disease. And finally, please consider
providing financial support – in any amount – to help the Johansen
family with lost wages, travel and other unexpected expenses related
to Sam’s treatment.
You can support Sam by making a donation. Please encourage your
friends and family to do the same by sharing this page widely and
frequently. Your generosity will mean everything to Samantha, her
family, and friends.
A note from Sam….
Everyone has a story... this is just a
chapter in mine. It’s a surreal feeling as a 33-year-old healthy and
active woman hearing you have stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. Barely 2
months after giving birth to our son, Knox.
Countless thoughts,
scenarios and feelings run through your mind as you try to piece it
all together. This however, I know to be true... I serve a big God,
one that saves, one that heals and one that has a plan for my life. So
as I begin the fight of my life, all I can ask for are your prayers,
encouragement, love and support – not just for me, but for my husband
Fred, our newborn baby Knox and the rest of our family and
friends.
I know that second to my faith the thing that will get
me through this is my army of family and friends. Just over the past
few weeks I am overwhelmed with the amount of energy, time and
dedication my team has put into getting me the best possible
treatment.
Fred, my Husband, my Warrior, my Best Friend – God
has put you in my life for such a time as this. Words cannot express
how hopeful and inspired I am as I watch you cope with this. I know
that our love will only grow stronger as we walk this road
hand-in-hand. I wouldn't want anyone else in my corner.
Sabrina,
my cup runneth over, you are my Sister, and I love you so much.
Jess, I cannot find the words to express the love I have for
you. Our friendship is everything to me.
Kim, you never cease to
amaze me. I am so incredibly blessed to have you in my life not just
as a boss, but as a friend and mentor.
From the bottom of my
heart, thank you for all you do for me. My church family at Discovery
Church Southwest and DC Students, all your love, encouragement,
prayers, dinners, cards, etc. are taken to heart – I love you.
To the rest of my family, friends and community... this is not going
to be easy. Thank you for your support, making me laugh, getting me
out of the house...Together we will fight the good fight, and our
Faith will sustain us.
God did not intend us to do life alone,
so with you all by my side, I know we will get through this.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.- Philippians 4:13
