Samantha “Sammie" Dacong, a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin, passed away peacefully at the age of 18. Samantha touched countless lives in her short time here and was a champion for other sick children in the Sacramento region. Samantha was born with a rare genetic disorder that caused her to be diagnosed with cancer at the age of nine, and she bravely fought and beat it. She received a wish from Make-A-Wish after her treatment, and was so moved by the experience that she decided to help other sick children who were requesting wishes.
In 2017, while a student at St. Francis High School, she became a Make-A-Wish Ambassador and made it her mission to raise awareness and funds to grant wishes to as many sick children as possible. She was also an Honored Kid for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and raised over $60,000 for childhood cancer research. In 2020, as a senior in high school, she was again diagnosed with cancer. She bravely fought again but the cancer was too aggressive. When she and her family learned that the disease had become terminal, she requested help in granting more wishes before she passed. She was able to quickly raise over $130,000 in donations before passing. The donations continue to increase daily as a continuation of her desire to help others.
When Samantha wasn’t helping others, she loved to play video games, watch movies, draw, read and write anime, learn Japanese and spend time with her family, friends and beloved pets, especially her Pomeranian, Cupcake. Her school communities were a large part of her life while she was a student at St. Robert School, St. Francis High School, and Choices Charter School. She was very excited to be able to graduate from Choices this year while undergoing treatment.
She is survived by her parents, Steven and Gina Dacong, her little sister, Maddie Dacong, and numerous grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She left a remarkable legacy and she will live on in the hearts of all of those who have been blessed to know her.
For those who wish to continue Samantha’s legacy, the family requests donations in Samantha’s name to her favorite charities: Make-a-Wish, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, St. Francis High School or St. Robert School.
