This month we wanted to honor Aubrey, a junior at Reynoldsburg High School, for her work with The Sam Bish Foundation. Aubrey is involved in Global Scholars at school and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. She actively participates in a dance marathon called Raiderthon, which raises money for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She is a responsible and caring individual, and I know she will continue to serve her community throughout her high school career and beyond.
The Sam Bish foundation began in honor of Aubrey’s older brother, Sam. In 2009, Sam was an active 8 year old boy when he began experiencing pain in his right knee. Doctors quickly found a mass and a biopsy determined Sam had Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and he began treatment immediately. Aubrey remembers watching her brother fighting hard while undergo chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and a leg amputation. Unfortunately, treatment was ultimately unsuccessful and Sam’s battle ended in August of 2010.
Aubrey said, “When Sam passed away I knew I wanted to help my family make a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer just like my brother”. Sam’s parents, Cindy & Michael, began the non-profit to do just that. The Sam Bish Foundation provides financial assistance to pediatric cancer families, as well as toys and other support to lift their spirits during a difficult time. “It makes my heart feel good to know that I am helping to make even a small difference in the life of a child while they are fighting such a big battle,” says Aubrey.
Aubrey, along with her younger sister Caitlin, help with the foundation throughout the year. Their favorite fundraiser is Bish Bash, a carnival-style event that includes a silent auction, characters, bounce houses, games, entertainment and more. This event is held every September in Westerville and is the foundation’s largest fundraiser. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the event cannot take place this year. Donations to the Sam Bish Foundation are always appreciated, especially right now.
We had planned to recognize Aubrey during September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but August seemed so fitting to honor and remember Sam. Please continue to share his story and awareness of childhood cancer throughout the month of September because awareness leads to funding, funding leads to research, and research leads to better treatments. In the meantime, The Sam Bish Foundation runs on donations and those can be made online or to The Sam Bish Foundation P.O. Box- Sam Bish Foundation P.O. Box 323, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. You can learn more about the foundation and their mission and fundraisers at https://www.sambishfoundation.org and follow them on their active Facebook Page.
This was done as part of a program where we honored high school students involved in community service. We believe in making this world a better place and encouraging others to do the same. We'd love to hear how you are changing the world! Follow us on Insta @westervilleseniorphotography and tag us when you share what you're doing! We'd love to share your story! If you are looking to schedule Senior Photos, you can learn more here or contact us today!