Still Hanging in there

First off, I want to thank the many people that donated to my GoFundMe for the brain surgery I had Jan. 16, 2026.  My oncologist always loves to make me happy, so earlier in December I got my annual MRI, to check if if I've had additional strokes, since I've had 5 over the past 14 years.  He told me he would call me Christmas Eve vecause he expected everything to be normal.

I was at my mom's with Karley, Brook, Patrick, and their children when my phone rang on the 22nd from his office.  I didn't want to pick up.  I knew there was no way it could be good because he didn't call Christmas Eve.  

I hesitated picking up but did.  He said, "Samantha, I'm so sorry to give you this news but you have a brain tumor.  We can't tell if its malignant but we need to get it out as fast as possible.  The Neurosurgeon and I have already worked out your schedule for Pre-op (making sure there are no blood clots in my body through different tests). He also told me to stop my blood thinners now because they will be doind surgery in less than a month.

I hung up the phone and started crying.  I did not want to go through another brain surgery.  Between 2 of them, radiation, and 5 strokes, I wasn't sure I could survive this.  

My brother in law was the first to notice I was crying on the corner of the couch.  I tried to talk loud but I couldn't. I said, "I've got another brain tumor".  Patrick doesn't like to interrupt but if you've ever been around my family, they can be loud.

He repeated it to the kitchen where everyone except Karley was.  She was still asleep.  I think my mom picked up on it first when he repeated it.  Everyone was shocked.  It was a moment in time I'll never forget.  They just stared at me.  My youngest neice, who loves to jump on Karley to get out of bed took of to her room.  

Poor Karley, she jumped on her and said "your mom has another brain tumor, she could die".  Karley came running in half asleep still.  Everyone was trying to comfort me. That's when I kinda wanted my sister to take control.  She's a lot like me.

We took Christmas pictures, me trying not to cry in all of them. My dog, Stitch, just got diagnosed with cancer.  Thank God he's still with me, my sweet sister took some of us together.  I know it's late to show last Christmas, but I kind just go with my own flow now.

Everyone had to go home and back to school but my sister stayed with my mom and me.  She was going through it with me, like my mom has been doing for so long.

Once everyone left, Karley was sending me texts about how tired she was and she barely made it to school.  She left everything in her car and went to bed.  She originally sent me a rash on her legs and told me the Brunswick doctors said it was allergies.  I didn't accept that because the fatigue and weekness came next.

I told her she had to get a second opinon because Brunswick GA hospital misdiagnosed me and so many others.  

So she went to the hospital near GA Southern. After testing her, they came back with a disease that spead to her liver.  She's in college so they all eat ad drink after each other.   She was immediately hospitalized so we were both in the hospital at the same time. However the doctors said it was unusual but they just had another patient the previous week where it spread to her liver as well.

My surgery was Jan 16th and her birthday was January 15th, turning 21 in a hospital.  I couldn't go see her and was so worried but we factimed.  We were both in the hospital for about a week.  I got checked out first, we were discharged the same day.I'm always grateful my mom is still here but also grateful for my sister staying until she knew I was ok.

Karley was not able to drink because of her liver and I wasn't able to drive for 4 months.  However, I did and got in an accident with a huge curb.  I know, dumb.  Her roommates tried to make her birthday fun in the hospital, so grateful for them. About a month after my accident, she was hit by an out of control driver and the Silver Jeep Grand Cherokee I gave her was totaled.  It was a multi-car pile up.  Still in court.  

I think we were twinning this year and we need to stop at least by next year, or at lmaybe even by my birthday (Halloween)!  

All in all, I still am having cognitive issues and vision issues.  My oncologist looked back at my B-12 snd it was extremely low, so he added that to my daily regiment of pills and they will recheck in December.  I do have a neurologist appointment on the 19th of October to try and figure out whats wrong and if there is any therapy I can do.  

I still feel blessed to be here, and give it all to God.

The tumor in the brain was benign but spitting out dead cancer cells. Until you go through it, it's hard to understand.  

But praying I can start spelling correctly and am able for my vison to correct.  

Thank you for all of the prayers and donations.  It got me through to live much longer.  Karley graduates this year!

God bless you all!

Not cancer related. I KNOW! Justice Related

 I don't spend my every waking moment thinking of cancer.  It's not healthy.  I do like to research, learn case laws, and try to make money if possible.  I'm just really Passionate about justice for all (ironic since I got lung cancer at 33).

Anyway, I'm going to explain the trial beginning in my old county, Glynn County, GA.  FINALLY, Jackie Johnson (former D.A.) is going to trial for allegedly interfering in the Ahmaud Aubrey case and allegely violating her oath of office.  

By all means, what was done to Ahmaud Aubrey is like something that was done in a different century. It was horrible and all of them should pay.  But, here's the catch.  That is what they are charging her for.

IF any of you live in GLYNN COUNTY, GA, or not and just interested in justice, please take a look at the following links.  I couldn't get everything and everyone, but feel free to add in comments and I will look it up and try to add.  

I was 28 and the mom to a three year old when my passion for justice began.  Moving to St. Simons in 2006, I will never forget standing in line at the gas station where the paper read "Family Massacre" or something.  I immediately purchased it in the midst of the "cellphone turning to instant computer era".

I am 45 years old now.  I thank God that I'm still here.  But the things I've seen throughout my 20 year life in Glynn County, GA in my opinion, are appauling and every case tried und her should have the opportunity to be reopened and the case be investigated, or looked over by the FBI or heard in the supreme court for a retrial, no matter the outcome.  

These death investigations should be reopened.  I'm going to add some links.  Trigger warning, some are video.  Others lead to cases overseen during her tenure.  What we need to do first, then what needs to happen after.

The article I picked up was about a man beating his family to death with an average of 27.5 injuries to each person "in their sleep".  The person convicted, Guy Heinze Jr., was convicted of the 2nd worst family massacre since the 1800's.  And EVERYTHING was circumstantial, evidence mishandled, missing, jury interference, ineffective counsel.  I don't even see how it went to court and wasn't thrown out for the cross contamination of evidence. The state did not prove his guilt. Why does no one cover this??

Dennis Perry finally got released after 20 years after a wrongful conviction Jackson continued to allegedly block fro retrial.  Dennis Perry Exohorated

Since he is still alive and serving time, this should be one of the first reopened.  I don't know about the others but have an idea, but this one has haunted me since 2009: 

1. GUY HEINZE JR.

Guy Heinze Jr. - original call

Criminal Behaviour

How it all went South Podcast

Guy's Voice - FB Summary & Discussion - account managed by Guy's wife Jodie.  She is amazing at breaking things down and I think they may show the Netflix documentary that was only available in the UK?

Guy Heinze Jr is Innocent - FB Group

GA Tribune Breakdown - Inustice?

More on Jackie Johnson

LOVE AFFAIR WITH LYING- Ahmaud Aubrey (shot in broad daylight), Katie Kettles (murdered by Cory Sasser, John Hall (murdered by Cory Sasser), Caroline Smalls (Low speed chase, use of unnecessary force claims), and Kelsey Raynor (left to die in his cell).  Justice for all of these victims.  

I became fascinated and the Georgia Virtue diid a fabulous job of covering the articles The Baxley Informer was sent a Cease and Desist letter about.

For example:  Jackie Johnson's Path to Destruction. Please check out the Georgia Virtue for their link for other cases.  Click for link The Georgia Virtue for more cases that deserve a second look.  Cases that would've never really made the spotlight had Ahmaud Aubrey not senselessly lost his life.  #JusticeForAhmaud #JusticeForSEGA. 

Throughout the years, more issues began happening that I thought were odd.  For instance, Former County Commissioner TOM SUBLETT tied his hands together in the front, picked up a gun, shot himself in the head, but he was still alive when he jumped into the water at the marina in 2012 and drown. Gun never recovered, but it was suicide. He deserves justice. Did Marty Reagan need to die over s sign?

OTHER CASES AND PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL OPINIONS AS WELL  VICTIMS DECEASED

Still Interested: (trigger warning on all body cam video)

CORY SASSER

Bodycam:

Katie Kettles/John Hall Injustice Part 1 Video

Kettles/Hall Sasser Part 2 Video - Katie confronts Glynn County (good for her)

Sasser later went on to murder Katie Kettles and John Hall; then himself after another standoff. Read the entire case. SASSER AND HALL DESERVE JUSTICE

CAROLINE SMALLS CASE DESERVES JUSTICE

Bodycam:

Caroline Smalls Shooting - GBI said worst police shooting in GA history to date, yet they still had Ahmaud coming up. Jackie Johnson failed.  The Governor was informed.  So many D.A.'s reported to the GBI to reopen. Had Jackie Johnson been prosecuted back then, maybe it could have saved a lot of lives.

CONJURING JUSTICE 

The Devil Got Appointed in Georgia

Dropped the Ball

There are so many more.  You just have to dig.  So, to the GBI & Governor Kemp of GA.  Is the STATE OF GEORGIA only prosecutting for her allage interference with the  Ahmaud Aubrey case, but not the rest of these?   Are more charges coming?

If anyone knows that answer, I would love to know.  Post in the comments below.  

No fighting, I'll take you down.

12 Years ago Today - Suck it Cancer - I've got God LCAM

Twelve years ago today I was sitting at the bar with some friends and my lil sis.  It was around this hour I reached out for my first glass of wine and instead of grabbing it, I knocked it over with the back of my hand.  It went all over the bar and POS system.  

I didn't understand.  My vision had been messing up lately "Because of Migraines", so they said.  And I believed them because they were the doctors.  The night went on and we all went to a few bars.  Reggie was with us as well, the last picture of me before my life turned upside down is below with Reggie.  Little did I know he was only 3 months behind.

That night I argued with my sister, I'm not even sure what it was about.  I just know I got Reggie and Sonja and had them take me to a hotel near the bar because my head was killing me.  It felt like everyone thought I was addicted to pain pills, I wasn't.

My head felt so full, and overnight in the hotel I continued to cry after fighting with my sister.  Anyone who knows us, knows that we fight and then we are fine.  We don't cry.  But I couldn't stop, it was uncontrollable.  

After Reggie took Sonja home, he drove me to my dads as Karley was at my mom’s and at this point I was vomiting a white liquid.  I wasn't drunk that night.  I couldn't control my emotions.  

Reggie met my dad at his house and they helped me out of the car.  By now my parents were thinking I had a pill problem too because I never talked to them about the headaches that wouldn't stop, the loss of vision, my head feeling as if it were so full, and the uncontrollable body movements and emotions.  

My dad led me into the house and thanked Reggie.  I immediately laid down on the couch.  I don't know how long I lay there, but I heard the clock ticking. Tik tok tik tok.  After hours of just this, I told my dad that I needed one of them to take me to the hospital.  He asked if I wanted him to take me or my mother.  After careful consideration, I considered my mother would be least likely arrested if they didn't do anything, so my mom handed Karley over to him and we went to the hospital.  

I don't remember much.  I guess I had a scan because I do remember the ER doctor coming back in and telling us that she saw a shadow in my brain and I needed to be transferred to downtown Atlanta for brain surgery to remove the tumor.  

My dad brought Karley up and I hugged her as they loaded me in the ambulance while she cried out for me.  It ripped my heart out.  The ambulance driver asked if I was still in pain.  I replied, "yes, so much".  She realized they were giving me morphine already.  She was so kind and said, "Let me give you the good stuff".  It was so good I don't remember anything until Tuesday when they were waking me up.  I was fresh out of brain surgery.  

And, my blog starts with then.  It's been 12 years since the beginning of the new beginning.  I had dormant scans last week, including bone,  I give all the Glory to God, keeping me here to watch and to live through so many milestones.  It hasn't been easy at all and I've documented my ups and downs.  

You only need lungs to get lung cancer.  This is Lung Cancer awareness month. The biggest myth of all is that only smokers get cancer.  

The doctors gave me 12-18 months to live.  Tuesday will be 12 years. 12 years ago was the beginning of my new beginning.  And God has blessed this broken path that led me to where I am today.  I may not be financially rich, but I am rich in love and empathy now and that is not the person I had been before the cancer.  Cancer blessed us  

"Trust in the Lord with all of your Heart, lean not on your own understanding" - Prov. 3:5-6

SCREW YOU CANCER, I'VE GOT GOD AND HE IS THE ALMIGHTY.  

I'm exhausted so am going to cut it short.  But just keep the Faith.  Keep your hope alive.  This is not the end, it's only the beginning of the beginning.

God bless you all!  Enjoy all these little moments and memories we have  been able to make, because they go by so quickly. Thank you God and thank you all for the prayers. They are working!  My work is not done here.  I'll write again soon!

Videos Links below, click to be inspired!:  I promise they aren't viruses!  Lol. Or they are on instagram and facebook.  

12 Years

Atlanta

The night I fell. 

Contentment

 Since beginning this journey, I have always felt a bit of unease.  I wanted to make sure Karley knew God.  She's now a camp counselor at Camp Connect in St. Simons for the summer.  She could've gone to summer school, or worked to save for money, but she chose to teach youth about God.

She already feels like she's grown so much.  Every time she goes to this camp she comes out filled with the Holy Spirit.  My mind is at ease knowing her love of God, I am content.  I don't worry about anything anymore.  That was the important thing.  As a parent, I would die for her.  So, knowing that she knows God, I am at peace.

Although I'm at peace, I discovered in a recent bone scan that I have 3 fractured ribs from radiation in 2019 and 2 more lit up (all on the same side).  My slap tear is still causing me issues, orthopedic surgeon on August 8th.  Going for my ribs and rotator cuff.

The radiologist noticed something abnormal at the beginning of my small intestine, but getting scans next month to make sure it's resolved.

I have a bump on my back that moves around.  It's pretty big but since it's not attached, I don't want to do a biopsy.

I found out at the beginning of April that my health insurance plan dropped me because I moved states.  So, I had to find another one and it's delayed all of my routine appointments.

Please reach out if anyone needs help navigating the lung cancer community.  I'll even go to the hospital with you to go over results and ask questions.  Lung cancer is so confusing.  And you don't have to smoke to get it.  

Ok.  The best part, pictures!  I can't believe she will be 20 in six months.  Giving me a year to live, I'm going on 12.  God has truly blessed me.  I recently moved to Jacksonville so if anyone needs a friend, I'm here for that too.  Still meeting people.   God bless you all!

Volunteering San Marco Preservation Society

Finally got some Senior Pictures

Rest in Paradise Patty Watkins  - You fought a good fight, you finished the race, you were ready.  Love you always.

My father's new memorial garden.

I miss him so much.

Karley joined and played for the club team at Georgia Southern.  She's now the acting president.  Only two slots available, she made it.  They went to NATIONALS!

She is happy.  That's all a mama could ask for.  

Living Beyond

 Since I moved to Jacksonville, I've been working on my bookkeeping certification and getting my notary public.  Florida laws are so much different than Georgia.  

So, everyone tells me I'm a miracle and should be happy to be alive.  I am happy, but no one understands the financial burden that it entails.  I've downgraded housing expenses.  So yay for that!  I've picked up small bookkeeping jobs here and there, but I can't seem to get out of debt.

My dad and friends used to throw me fundraisers.  The last one was 2018.  He sadly passed away in 2021.  I can't even write a out it without getting emotional.

Anyway, I somehow acquired a slap tear in my shoulder.  So, now I've added another profession and set of imaging too my ever growing list of expenses.  My orthopedic surgeon ordered ultrasound guided shots for the pain.  It doesn't work 100%, but I've got moderate disc degeneration throughout c4-c7 (i think, without the paper in front of me).  

That has led me to a spine clinic.  So, once more, another profession and set of imaging required.

I'm still paying on the stroke I had in 2020.  So now, along with my regular 3 month cancer scans, I've added on two more doctors.  

Social Security disability pays $2,000 a month.  I can't even pay rent with that.  I know so many of you have helped before, and I hate to ask for help again.   Right now my credit card debt is almost maxed out b/c of copays.  I've applied for assistance but was rejected for making too much money.  HOW???

All I do is stress about money now, to the point I can't even enjoy life.  I can't plan for a future because I'm in so much debt.  I started a GoFundMe for myself, which is super lame.  But I need help.  I can't pay for the doctors, scans, meds, utilities, rent, car, insurance, etc.  If I pay my credit cards down, I'll be able to pay for my care.  But lately, I've been very discouraged.  I'm worth more dead than alive.  

So, if any of you reading this can spare anything, I would be eternally grateful.  I am, without a doubt, so very blessed I've been going 11 years.  But I've had 5 strokes and we still don't know why.  I know the stress of being a step away from nothingness is part of it.   

I just wanted to let you all know, by the Grace of God, I'm still here.  I'm getting tired a lot more lately and sleeping a lot more.  I know a lot is stress, but I can barely even write this.  I'm so tired.....

Please help me continue to live and not have the added financial burden that is drowning me.   If you can't donate, please pray for me and share the fundraiser.  

I just want you all to know, I'm not giving up.  I have faith that God will make a way for me to continue going.  My work here isn't finished.  God bless you all, and once again, I'm so sorry to ask and can even do something for you if you need.  Just ask.

I can do all things through Christ.  We just found a new church to attend here in Jacksonville.  It's about the only time I get dressed up.   lol.  Here are some pics.

And as for my sweet daughter, she made the volleyball club team at GA Southern.  She loves it and is having so much fun I rarely see her or talk to her.  But that's ok, she's surrounded herself with really good friends who go to church with her.  She will be a counselor this summer at Camp Connect on St. Simons so google and sign up if you want your little ones there.

This cancer saved us both.  We talked about it and want to both be baptized again.  I could not be more proud as a mother.  She has dedicated her life to Christ.  

Anyway, the site is on this link below.  Any amount helps.  And please share.  Of course I need to add some recent pics!

GofundMe-Sam

On the way to Church, love this view

Karley came down to Jacksonville to visit

Christmas with my girl

The main cousins (missing Brook)

My girl Sarah Cat and me...They came home for the holidays!

My cousin Lori, she's been an angel to me

Almost the whole family...Someone had to take the pic (missing Callico)

Karley loved the way Mackenzie and Sarah Cat would wake her up.  Yes, thats Mackey on to of her with a pillow.

Lenox, he's meant so much to me.  God blessed me with him.

KARLEY TURNED 19!  SHE WAS 7 WHEN I WAS DIAGNOSED.

I GOT TO SEND HER CAKES AND FLOWERS AT GA SOUTHERN!

I didn't have the money too spend, but had to celebrate her birthday far away. She's my angel.

It amazes me that God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins.  That is how much he loves us.  As a parent, that kind of sacrifice is not possible for me.  That just shows how much God truly loves us and we should all praise Him, in all circumstances.  There is a reason for everything.

GofundMe-Sam

Cliff Norton - Starting the day with God

As I sit here and drink my morning coffee on this quiet peaceful Saturday morning, I watched a new day begin.  And it all came rushing back.  The reason I quit advocating,  I'm going to Cliff Norton's services next weekend.

I talked to him last November 13, and since moving to Jacksonville, I wanted to meet up with him for lunch but while planning, he had to take a call.  He returned my call later that day and I forgot to call him back.  I thought I would wait on the Holidays to be over.  I thought I had TIME.  Don't we all?

I, never in a million years, would've predicted my Godly inspiration would be going home the first day of 2024.  I loved reading his words of encouragement each day.  He is a funny man and football rival who I would tease because I'm a UGA fan.  He always had a quick witted smart remark since UGA has been dominating so much lately.

I would always be up against him and Stephanie Kohn. We lost Stephanie in 2021, the year my father passed.  Cliff helped me through so much.  Now they are reunited in heaven with their love for the Gators.  

But, I will not be discouraged.  Cliff would want us to carry on and fight.  He would tell us that we are here to bring people closer to Christ and to not be discouraged.  Because we may have troubles in this life, but Christ has overcome the world.  - John 16:33

So, the man, the legend, and my personal inspiration is home and no longer has to suffer.  He's been set free, and in the end, that's all we could hope for.  I'll see you on the other side my friend.  I love you and thank you for the inspiration you always gave to everyone.

I've written a article for Healthline with more detail but this is my picture place, my journal for the world, my journal for my daughter, my baby.  His service will be Jan 20 at 5:30 in Jacksonville for those who want to attend,

In honor of Kelly Shannon

We talked before this, but if you look in the background, Cliff is in the white shirt and I'm in the blue next to him.  We were both speakers at Jacksonville's "Free to Breathe" event.  It was the first time we met face to face back in 2015.

to say we were friendly rivals was an understatement

But we always laughed with each other

Rest In Paradise sweet friend.  I shall see you again. 

My favorite song and one he quoted often, Casting Crowns - Scars in Heaven. PLEASE LISTEN

He is free from this disease.  He won.