Who We Are

The Samuel J Foundation is a non-profit organization established in memory of Samuel Jacob Johnson. The Foundation is dedicated to honoring Sam's bright spirit and brave heart by giving children with brain tumors hope for a cure, bringing smiles into the lives of children with all types of pediatric cancers and their families, and by supporting the needs of children with developmental disabilities. 

RULES FOR LIVING ACCORDING TO SAMUEL J.

BE HAPPY
Sam lived each day of his life with joy and purpose. It didn’t matter how sick he felt, where he was, or what limitations he faced, he found a way to smile and enjoy what he did have every single day. When he smiled, he smiled from head to toe!

MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE
Sam never felt sorry for himself or coveted anything that he lacked. He could not stand up and dance on his own, but watching others dance brought him joy rather than envy. He also had his own way of sitting and “dancing” that pleased him just as well. When his body started to fail him in the end, he accepted it without complaint and found new ways to enjoy his life.

LOVE SOMEONE
Sam’s mama is lucky enough to have been the main object of his affection.  Anyone who knew Sam saw how that love gave him joy, comfort and peace in his life.

BE HONEST AND TRUE TO YOURSELF
Sam never left anyone wondering where he stood about anything. His ways of communicating could be as subtle as a look in his eyes or as dramatic as sweeping his dinner plate onto the floor. He never left any doubt, though, about what he was thinking. The world’s pressures never led him to put on the masks so many of us feel pressure to put on to be accepted. He always did things his way – no compromising!

HAVE COURAGE
Fear wasn’t something Sam ever entertained. To him it would have seemed a pointless waste of energy. He faced every trial head on, calmly and patiently, without worry or anxiety.

BE STRONG
Sam kept going, no matter what.  He never gave up. People often said that his family saw him through all of his struggles, but the reality is that he saw them through. His perseverance lifted everyone else up and kept them going. The weakness and emptiness his family and friends feel without him is evidence of that.

NEVER GIVE UP
Sam always found a way to get what he wanted or needed. He always kept going, moving forward, no matter what obstacles came his way.   It seemed that he faced the end of every day feeling like he had accomplished everything he wanted to do.

LIVE
Sam never wasted time – everything he did had a purpose. He never let cancer defeat him or change who he was. Even when his physical body was diminished, his true self - his spirit and soul - prevailed to the end. He refused to allow cancer to steal that from him – he simply went Home- quickly and quietly- on his terms. No wasted time.