Sam Rowlett is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Sam is a former YHS Student whograduated last year. Sam was a starter on the YHS football team and helped lead them to a championship. He also was apart of the YHS Chamber Singers. He also led worship for some time at the Sierra Vista Youth Group and played worship music at churches throughout the Mountain Area.Sam is the youngest of six children of John and Vickie Rowlett of Oakhurst. Sam’s brother Ben and sisters Emily, Jill, and Ann all graduated from Yosemite High School. Ben and Emily live here in Oakhurst,Jill lives in Oregon with her family, Ann lives in Idaho with her family and the oldest sister Nikko, lives in Canada with her family.While Sam was Fresno Community Hospital the goal of the induction therapy is to reduce the leukemia cells down to undetectable levels, which is then considered remission. Sam is still in treatment and is waiting for a match for a bone marrow transplant. Once he finds a match he will be transported to Seattle for the operation. “The entire Rowlett family are strong Christians, and they have placed their trust and faith in their Lord. They are a remarkable family and extremely close. They also know that thousands and thousands of people are praying for Sam and this knowledge gives them a peace and comfort that sustains them,” says Pam McMillan, a close family friend.One Bible verse has become especially aningful to the family these past few days, shares John Rowlett, Sam’s father. That verse is Psalms 118:17, “I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord.” We are so thankful for the enormous outpouring of support we have been receiving,” says Mr. Rowlett. “To feel the care of so many neighbors and friends gives us strength!” To relieve the family from being overburdened with phone calls, concerned friends can receive daily updates on Sam by calling 683-1147. This message will be updated daily by a family member to let everyone know how Sam is doing. For those who would like to help in other ways please contact Pam McMillan at 683-5441 or cell phone 676-5441. She is coordinating various services for the family such as meals, transportation, special arrangements and fund-raising.Information obtained from a Sierra Star Article-Lacey Rees

The Sam Rowlett Benefit Dinner

The EAST Lab at Yosemite High School, along with help from the community and volunteers, are hosting a benefit dinner in Sam's behalf. The Benefit dinner will take place on Saturday January 24, 2004 at 6:00p.m. at the Yosemite High School Cafeteria. Tickets are $7.00. There will be a dinner, silent auction, and a special performance by the Yosemite High School Choir. Donations from the community will help support the dinner, and the silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Rowlett family for help in Sam's treatment.

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