2008

May 5th Daily Chronicle article about the race

March 24th Daily Chronicle article about raffle and race

2007

May 7th Daily Chronicle article about Caps4Sam 5K race

May 7th Northern Star article about "Walk 4 Wisdom"

April 11th Daily Chronicle "Caps4Sam gets a hand from Phi Kappa Sigma"

April 5th Daily Chronicle "Sam Ihm is an inspiration to this Northern Illinois senior "

Fegruary 24th Daily Chronicle "Ihms making strides for tumor research"

2006

May 8th Northern Star article about "Walk 4 Wisdom"

May 8th Daily Chronicle follow-up Story about "Walk 4 Wisdom"

April 22nd WLBK "Spotlight on DeKalb County" (streamed 3 MB mp3 file)

March 5th Daily Chronicle "Walk 4 Wisdom"

2005

December 29th Daily Chronicle Top Stories of 2005

June 8th MidWeek story

February 19th Daily Chronicle "Barbs 4 Sam" story

February 18th Daily Chronicle "Barbs 4 Sam" preview

January 29th WGN "Kid of the Week" (streamed 1 MB mp3 file)

January 21st Daily Chronicle Bouquet

January 20th Daily Chronicle follow-up story

January 16th Daily Chronicle feature story

‘Caps 4 Sam’ fundraiser initiated by 10-year-old DeKalb boy

DeKalb, IL — DeKalb residents have a reason besides the cold weather to put on our caps this winter. Ten-year-old Sam Ihm, a student at St. Mary School in DeKalb, has started Caps 4 Sam— a nonprofit initiative raising funds for brain tumor research and treatment at Children’s Memorial Hospital.

On New Year’s weekend, Sam was rushed to CMH in Chicago, where he and his family learned of a brain tumor that would require a risky surgical procedure. The time spent in the hospital was difficult and frightening for Sam, his parents, and siblings, but was made easier by the concern and professionalism of the hospital’s staff.

“The doctors and nurses [at CMH] were nice to me,” Sam said. “and made me feel comfortable. ” During his stay, Sam learned a lot about his condition, and also learned that many other children his age face the same diagnosis. He and his family considered ways to get something positive out of Sam’s situation.

To help make sure this happens, Sam and his family developed Caps 4 Sam, a non-profit initiative to raise funds for CMH and its brain tumor research and treatment. Through this program, local businesses and groups will sell ski caps — embroidered with Sam’s own design — for $10.00 each. All the profit from each sale will go directly to CMH, along with any donations received separately.

“Sammy asked me if he might be able to wear a cap in school to cover the scar after surgery,” said Sam’s mother, Patty, “and I thought we might all wear caps. The idea grew from there, and we realized it was a good way to thank Children’s Memorial for all they’ve done for us, and to help them further the work they do.”

The caps will be available at St. Mary School, DeKalb, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, and several local retail establishments. For further information, or to learn how to get your family or business involved, visit the website at Caps4Sam.com or e-mail Caps4Sam@hotmail.com.

So this winter, when you reach for your cap to warm your head, make sure it’s one that will warm your heart as well.