A Legacy of Love

When Sam Rogers was diagnosed with cancer, he told his wife Allison, "I have an expiration date now." Aware his time was limited, Sam wanted his presence and impact to endure. After his passing in 2022, his family continues to carry his legacy forward by lifting up others.

Throughout his cancer battle, Sam and Allison shared their journey in a blog, documenting the highs and lows with the hope of helping others. Sam's posts always ended with this heartfelt reminder: Hug your loved ones.

Sam lived by that advice. He loved deeply, and graciously accepted it in return. Allison and their children, Ben and Emme, were the lights of his life. As an assistant principal, he also touched the lives of countless students, parents and others in his community.

Sam shared a passion for music with his children. Ben and Emme are talented musicians, and nothing made Sam prouder than hearing them sing or play. Music also comforted Sam during chemotherapy. A pair of noise cancelling headphones allowed him to immerse himself in his favorite songs and briefly escape the realities of cancer treatment.

Witnessing how something so small gave his father so much joy, Ben was inspired to do something special to honor his dad's memory. For his Eagle Scout project, he raised enough money to donate 71 pairs of noise-cancelling headphones to Mercy, sharing with others the very thing that helped his dad get through some of his toughest hours.

This holiday season, take a moment to reflect on the impact of small acts of kindness and how they can bring comfort and healing to those in need. Sam's legacy continues to inspire others to find joy in the simple things, reminding us all of the importance of compassion and connection within our communities.