She never lost hope or her bright smile during years of illness.
But on Sunday, North Delta's Sam Mantyka lost her battle with cancer.
Sam, who would have started Grade 6 in the fall, was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2009. Surgery and intensive treatments followed and last summer, she was deemed cancer free. The celebration was short-lived, however, and the cancer returned to her spine last November.
Sam was in the news earlier this year when parents at her school, Gibson Elementary, organized a formal prom night for Sam and all her friends – complete with gowns and a limousine.
Sam was 11 years old when she died July 31.
A celebration of life is planned in Tsawwassen on Saturday (Aug. 6). Check http://letshelpsam.blogspot.com/ for further information.