Whether behind the wheel or working hard for an automotive company and later a nursery in Florida, Steve Sams has never been one to slow down. At 59 years old, Steve has spent his life doing everything fast – stock car racing for 18 years and drag racing for two years with his dad before he passed away.

So when he felt a sudden pain in his side – “like someone had kicked me in the kidneys” – he knew something was off. “I told the doctor, ‘I’m not leaving this hospital until we get to the bottom of this,’” Sams said.

That determination led to a CAT scan with questionable results, which led to the use of dye to get a better look that same day. The results came fast: cancer.

It had spread from his esophageal junction to his liver and to his spinal cord at T11 and T15 – the source of his pain. “Before they let me go, they told me they’d already made me an appointment with Dr. Iqbal. They let me know they caught it in time.”

To get ahead of the pain, his care team doubled the typical 10 sessions of radiation into five, jumpstarting the chemo right after. Now, with 35 chemotherapy sessions behind him – and more to come – Sams continues his treatment with unwavering spirit.

“I feel great. I haven’t stopped doing anything,” he said proudly. “I’ve got a port, and I’ll have to do chemo for life, but I’m still going strong.”

Sams’ care team has become more than medical professionals – they’ve become family. “Samantha Kibler, PA-C is number one,” he said with a grin. “She baked me brownies for my birthday. When she went to Aruba, she brought me back a hoodie because she knows how much I love them. Every time I leave there, I tell them, ‘I love you guys.’ They’re keeping me alive and I’m so grateful for that.”

He lights up when talking about his nurses. “They treat me so nice. They have a big bag of candy and pick out the Tootsie Rolls for me – I love those things. They give me a handful as I go back for chemo, and I eat them while I’m getting treated.”

His care coordinator Brandy Hahn keeps everything running smoothly, and the lab team, especially Nakitta Smith who draws his blood, makes a tough process easier. “She hits that vein every time – no pain at all,” Sams said gratefully.

Sams’ significant other, Melinda, stands by his side through it all. “I always tell him this is his job now,” she said. “Even when he doesn’t feel like going to chemo, I remind him – this is the work he must do now. And he’s fighting cancer as hard as he’s ever worked in his life.”

Melinda shared their deep gratitude: “Hopefully we haven’t missed anyone but we want to thank everyone—Samantha Kibler, Marcia Manning, Cody Dickerhoof, Mandy Donaldson, Makenzie Oyster, Melissa Clapper, Jessica Cameron, Brandy Hahn, Justin Marraccini, Tom Rouzzo, Stephen Foster, Nakitta Smith and Becky King. Every single person at the Alliance Cancer Center has helped Sams through this hard journey in life. They are kind, friendly, and treat us like family.”

“You don’t have to leave your community for outstanding care,” Sams said. With the help of Samantha and all the staff, and the support from Melinda and her family, he’s found a reason to fight harder than ever.

To others who are newly diagnosed, Sams offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t stop moving and don’t give up. Keep doing the things you love. Stay busy, stay positive, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. That’s what keeps me going.”

With his daughter, grandchildren, and Melinda cheering him on, along with a dedicated care team he trusts, Sam is staying in the race – full throttle.