A Harmar teen has become one of the largest donors for an effort aimed at raising awareness about a rare brain tumor.
Sam Kieffer was 7 when he first became aware of his father’s epidermoid brain tumor. As Kenny Kieffer underwent his second surgery, Sam learned there was no cure and wanted to find a way to help.
“If I was older, I probably would have thought there was nothing I could do,” said Sam, now 13. “But when you are younger, you think the world revolves around you, so I was thinking there was some way I could help.”
He launched a campaign called Save the Brains. It began with a GoFundMe page to raise money for the Epidermoid Brain Tumor Society.
After reaching his goal, he turned his efforts to setting up lemonade stands throughout the area. Sam said the initiative was successful — having raised $25,000 — until he had to pivot to another option once the pandemic hit.
An online art auction was held in 2020. During that time, Sam thought of another way to raise funds. His family’s love for hockey inspired him to begin the annual Save the Brains hockey game held at the Alpha Ice Complex in Harmar. The inaugural game in 2021 raised $10,000.
“My dad would set up a homemade ice hockey deck in our backyard, so I thought a hockey game would be a fun fundraiser,” he said.
Sam hopes to crush last year’s amount, as he prepares for the second annual Save the Brains hockey game on July 24.
Registration is open for three age groups: 12 and older, 12 and younger, and 9 and younger. Sam said the event is looking for more kids to sign up for the 9-and-younger game. A basket raffle, lemonade and baked goods will be available to purchase.
All proceeds will benefit the Epidermoid Brain Tumor Society.
The teen has raised more than $40,000 for the organization over the years.
Reflecting on how much he has done, Sam said it’s something he has never thought about.
“Whenever someone tells you you’re one of the biggest fundraisers, it’s hard to process that,” he said. “You don’t think about it.”
His mother, Terri, said it has been heartwarming to see him at such a young age want to do something after learning about his father’s diagnosis.
Since then, his father has undergone three brain surgeries and has to get surgery whenever the tumor grows back, she said.
“I feel like I am the luckiest mom in the world,” she said. “He is moving mountains for his dad.”
