February 21, 2014 – This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Sam Parker, a young camper who lost his battle on November 27, 2013, after fighting the disease for six years. Parker is no stranger to Fisher, as he served as an honorary coach in the 2010 Courage Bowl.
His parents, Heather and Dan, remember their son as a happy kid, one who they say spent much of his time smiling, dancing, laughing, and being a kid. They credit Camp Good Days for giving him some of the “most amazing and meaningful adventures he ever had,” including the trip to Florida that Sam himself summed up with four simple words, “What an amazing trip.”
“Despite ever-present emotional and physical pain that would render most of us bedridden, Sam lived a life filled with joy, adventure, and bravery. He comforted us more than we did him. He taught us more about courage than we did him. And he taught us the power of a huge smile, a graceful heart, and a fighting spirit that simply didn’t know how to quit,” his mother said.
Sam Parker at the 2010 Courage Bowl.
Sam will be remembered with a balloon launch after a brief dedication ceremony near the end of the dance, and his parents will be there to offer remarks and lead the launch.
