News Summary
Dr. Samantha Garza, a promising physician, died after a two-year battle with medulloblastoma. Known for her vibrant spirit, she inspired many before her untimely passing. The community has honored her memory by raising significant funds for cancer research and supporting her legacy in medical training.
Greenville, South Carolina – Beloved Dr. Samantha “Sam” Garza Passes Away After Inspirational Battle with Cancer
Dr. Samantha “Sam” Garza, a passionate and determined young physician, passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 29, after a courageous two-year fight against medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. Her death comes just a year after she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville in 2024.
Sam’s journey to becoming a dedicated medical professional began in Elgin, Illinois, where she was born on April 16, 1996. Her family relocated to Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, where she lived for seven years before moving to Houston, Texas, in 2004. Throughout her education, Sam excelled and was valedictorian of her high school class in Houston. She pursued her higher education at Duke University, graduating in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Latin American and Latinx Studies, and minors in chemistry and biology. The following year, she earned her master’s degree in biomedical sciences from the same institution.
Sam’s personal experiences shaped her aspirations; when her youngest sister, Karla, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2014, Sam launched a school blood drive in her honor, motivating her to enter the medical field. As a first-generation college student at Duke, she served as co-president of Mi Gente, the Latinx student alliance, and co-founded the campus chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Active in sports, she was also a member of Duke’s rowing team.
In 2019, Sam volunteered in Honduras, helping underserved communities develop sustainable health systems. After enrolling in medical school in 2020, she met her life partner, Cameron Powell, in 2021. Together, they shared four meaningful years filled with joy and adventures as she juggled her studies and her health challenges.
Cancer Diagnosis and Community Impact
Sam was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2023 during her final year of medical school. Despite her condition, she exhibited remarkable resilience, actively raising funds for the National Brain Tumor Society and documenting her journey on social media to inspire others. Her commitment to her education remained steadfast, and she graduated from medical school in 2024, fulfilling her dream of becoming a physician.
In her final months, Sam found joy in playing Tetris, reading, and spending quality time with Cameron and their pets, Dezzy and Buster. She was known for her vibrant spirit, laughter, and love for the color pink, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Friends remembered her as kind and spirited, often lighting up the room with her infectious enthusiasm.
After her passing, the community rallied together in support of Sam’s legacy, raising over $18,000 for the National Brain Tumor Society in just one week. Furthermore, her medical records will be utilized to assist in the training of future physicians on treating medulloblastoma, ensuring that her impact on the medical community continues.
Remembering Sam Garza
A celebration of life will take place on July 11, 2025, at Mackey Funerals and Cremations in Greenville, South Carolina, where family, friends, and the community plan to honor her memory and impact. Dr. Samantha “Sam” Garza’s legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the countless aspiring medical professionals she inspired during her brief but meaningful life.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Samantha Garza Obituary
- Legacy: Reynaldo Garza Obituary
- Mission Parks: Edward Garza Obituary
- Case Funeral Home: Tony L. Garza Obituary
- Mitchell Family Funeral Homes: Evelyn Barry Obituary
- Wikipedia: Brain Tumor
- Google Search: Medulloblastoma
- Google Scholar: Medulloblastoma
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brain Tumor
- Google News: Dr. Samantha Garza
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
