Issa Overcomes Cancer and Wins State

SAMMY STRONGER THAN EVER

Exactly one year after enduring aggressive cancer treatments to cure his Burkitt Leukemia diagnosis, junior Sammy Issa was on the court playing in the TAPPS 1A State Basketball final. He won the game and his battle with cancer.

Issa, was a sophomore at Christ Academy when he was diagnosed with Burkitt Leukemia on September 5th, 2020. During the 2020-2021 school year he missed over six months of school. However, due to the Blended Learning Environment at Christ Academy, he was able to finish the first semester of his sophomore year by May of 2021. Today, Sammy has not only finished the second semester of his sophomore year but has caught up with his peers and will begin his senior year in August of 2022. Not to mention, he took honors courses and maintained straight As.

His commitment to basketball is no different than his academic pursuits. Issa started playing basketball in grade 6 at Christ Academy. He rarely missed practice with the exception of when he was battling cancer. In August of 2021, four months after his cancer treatments ended, Issa started to work out with his team again. He quickly re-established himself as a starter on the Warrior varsity team. He woke up early to attend morning practices before first period and could be found during his lunch and free time shooting hoops.

The hard work paid off. The semi-final took its toll on Issa. He was exhausted and leaning over on the court. However, he persevered and was able to play the entirety of the game and help win the final the following day. The victory was so much more than a state win; it was a personal victory for Issa that he attributes to God.

Issa has always been active at Grace Church in Wichita Falls, TX. His youth group sent him 65 cards and an encouraging video when he was hospitalized. While undergoing his cancer treatments, he received a cross necklace. It quotes Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” For Sammy Issa and his family, this is couldn’t be more true.