Samantha M. Curtis

Samantha M. Curtis – known to many as “Sami” – is more than just a “Woman of Distinction,” she is a true profile in courage and a source of inspiration to the people of the North Country and the entire Empire State.

When Ms. Curtis was just two years old, she lost her birth mother, Terri, to breast cancer. As a tribute to her mother, each year she participated in the Edward I. Moses Walk/Run for Life to raise proceeds for the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund. Over the years, she became an accomplished fundraiser. In 2011, when she was just 12 years old, she won a special award for raising over $10,000 for the Cancer Fund.

At the age of 13, Ms. Curtis was asked to join the Board of the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund, making her the youngest person ever to serve as a member of its board of directors. Over the years, she has continued to raise thousands of dollars for local cancer charities and programs like the Jewels of Life, Hospice, Ryan’s Wish and the Ronald McDonald House, with every dollar going to help local cancer patients and their families.

Last year, Ms. Curtis had a malignant brain tumor removed. Within weeks, she and her friends organized a major fundraising event called “Help Sami Kick Cancer,” which raised $62,000 for the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund.  Last year, she was awarded the New York State Senate’s Liberty Award for raising more than $100,000 to fight cancer.

Ms. Curtis has helped raise awareness about breast cancer and all forms of the disease. She has helped people understand the importance of early detection. By example she has inspired countless others, from the Canton Golden Bears Women’s Basketball team to St. Lawrence University’s athletes, to join her personal campaign to help find a cure and help those who suffer from this deadly disease.