Sam, 17, from Naperville is a musical genius. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor from Naperville. He loves playing the trombone and meeting new people.

Plagued with headaches and migraines, led to Sam being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022 as a young teen. While battling through radiation and chemotherapy, Sam's 'rain clouds have parted,' according to his mother, Jackie, as he was able to pick up his very own custom-made trombone.

"It was the best day of his life!" 

Music is a big part of Sam's life. He plays the jazz trombone and, when feeling a little more rock and roll, breaks out the bass guitar. When he was going through treatment, he composed a song he hoped would inspire others. For his wish, Sam chose to get a custom, high-quality trombone that he knew would be part of his life forever. The trombone was a gift that kept on giving as Sam has continued to blossom with his musical talents, constantly rehearsing, auditioning, and performing. To celebrate, Make-A-Wish invited Sam and his friends, family, including his sister and grandparents enjoyed a fun outing to TopGolf.

Using his talent to wish it forward, Sam performed the National Anthem at the Busse Woods location of the Make-A-Wish Illinois Walk for Wishes. More recently, Sam joined the Wish Ball band on stage at the black-tie gala where he performed in front of more than 700 of the organization's top donors. He's also been invited to perform at the Lurie's Move for Kids Walk and rally to play the national anthem.

Sam's mother, Jackie, expressed her gratitude for how generous Make-A-Wish has been to Sam and their family.

As a soon-to-be senior in high school, Sam plans on pursuing his interest in music after graduation. He's also considering pursuing radiation oncology after his experience with his own treatment. He's fascinated by what medical professionals can do to help people like himself.

Sam is now an active member of the alumni community and continues to wish it forward.