Sammi, now 17, defeated her deadly disease, and is now using her experience to raise awareness for childhood cancer. In September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Sammi joined 45 other women (including her mom!) in shaving their heads to raise awareness for the cause and to fundraise for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer research. What's cooler? Sammi was the only teen participating - all the other women were moms of kids diagnosed with cancer. So brave! Read on for more about this seriously cool girl's battle with her disease and her efforts to raise awareness for childhood cancer.

When Sammi found out the cause of her headaches was brain cancer, she was scared. "My first thought was that most kids with brain tumors die," she said. But, with the support of friends and family, Sammi fought on. "Giving up wasn't really an option."

Most teenage girls wouldn't dream of going bald if they didn't have to, but Sammi cut her locks to stand in solidarity with kids who lose their hair during cancer treatments. Although she had been thinking about shaving her head for a while, when Sammi heard about the St. Baldrick's “Shave for the Brave” event, she thought it would be "the perfect team to do it with." The best part of the day? "Getting to meet all the other women who were doing it and meeting their kids and listening to their stories. You get the feeling you're doing something that will make a difference."

Sammi came up with this motto a few years ago: "Bravery isn't being fearless, it's doing the feared." We think those are awesome words to live by, no matter what tough situation you might be in. Sammi's got this advice for other teens facing a cancer diagnosis: "There are times when you'll be scared but it's natural and it can't really be avoided. As long as you push past it, you'll be OK."

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