Article in Bradenton Herald today, Jan 6, 2009

Here is a link to an article in todays Bradenton Herald.

Young musician, wise beyond years, passes on,
http://www.bradenton.com/donna_wright/story/1133545.html

The lady that wrote the article met and interviewed Heath a couple of years ago.


"On New Year’s Day, family and friends of Heath Sammons gathered to celebrate the young musician’s life. May his amazing display of courage in the face of adversity be a comfort to those who loved him.
Heath died Christmas Eve, after losing his battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects children and adolescents.
On Feb. 25, Heath would have celebrated his 21st birthday. Even though he won’t celebrate that milestone celebration that marks one’s official entrance into adulthood, Heath was wise beyond his years.
I met Heath just over two years ago when I wrote a profile of him and the skateboard accident that proved to be a blessing because it revealed the tumor growing at the base of his spine.
We were sitting around the family dining table — Heath, his mom, Karis Meier, his stepdad, Jim Meier, his brother, Colt, and several member’s of Heath’s band, which had just changed its name from the Allen Litchburg Experience to Kileva.
Heath was having one of his good days. Hope punctuated every sentence as he and his family explained the treatment options outlined by his doctors.
While I listened, I found myself constantly drawn to Heath’s eyes. There was a peace there despite the harrowing chemotherapy treatments he had to endure.
“It’s going to be OK,” Heath said. “Whatever happens, it’s going to be OK.”
Then Heath picked up his guitar and let his music flow.
The network of support surrounding Heath was amazing, including an extended family of relatives and friends far beyond his hometown of Palmetto.
His father, Lt. Gary Sammons of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, told me of his son’s profound courage, his deep faith.
Heath’s mom was his stalwart advocate. Karis told me that when Heath’s illness was finally diagnosed by Dr. Phillip Tally, she asked him what she should do.
“He told me, ‘Do your homework, Mom,’ ” Karis said.
And she did, becoming a walking encyclopedia on osteocarcoma, charting Heath’s treatments, doctor’s appointments, hospitalizations and symptoms on spreadsheets and color-coded calendars.
I know the days ahead will be hard for Heath’s family and friends.
Of course, there are no words that can ease that pain, but I hope they realize that during his brief time here, Heath taught others how vital faith is to living a full life.
Donna Wright, health and social services reporter, can be reached at 745-7049."

Article in the Herald Tribune on Jan 1, 2009

Here is a link to an article that was published in the Herald Tribune on Thursday, January 1, 2009.

Aspiring musician, 20, loses cancer struggle
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090101/ARTICLE/901010351

This article has been linked to all over the Internet. Slash really did think of Heath as a good friend and Heath felt the same way.

By Mark Zaloudek
Published: Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 1:00 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 6:59 a.m.

"PALMETTO - Playing guitar in a jam session this past summer with his hero, former Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist Slash, was a dream come true for 20-year-old Heath Sammons of Palmetto.
The aspiring musician and songwriter also hoped that another one of his dreams would come true: beating a rare form of bone cancer.
“He was such a fighter,” Sammons’ mother, Karis Meier, said of her son’s nearly three-year battle with osteosarcoma. “He just believed that he was going to make it.”
Sammons lost his struggle in the early morning hours of Dec. 24.
Meier said the private jam session with Slash last June in Los Angeles not only helped lift her son’s spirits as he coped with rounds of chemotherapy and surgery, but evolved into a friendship with the 43-year-old rock star, who now performs with Velvet Revolver and is featured in the “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” video game.
“It helped him cope because Slash was always just a phone call away,” Meier said. “Slash saw Heath not only as a young man who had an illness, but as a friend. They grew close.”
So close, in fact, that Slash, aka Saul Hudson, hopped on a plane to pay Sammons a visit at his Manatee County home in September after Sammons’ latest surgery.
“It was just amazing the compassion that Slash had for Heath and the friendship between them,” Meier said. “Heath believed he would be a rock star some day, and now he’s a rock star for Jesus.”
Sammons did not discover his musical aptitude until he took guitar lessons at 14 while attending the Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto.
He joined his first band, Kashmir, at 15. Other local bands, including Kileva and The Under Construction Band, soon followed. He played music by Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Eagles and Tom Petty, and also began writing his own songs.
After learning of his cancer diagnosis at 18, Sammons lent his talent to help raise money for cancer research. He played at all five of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life charity events in Manatee County in 2006.
“He was a natural performer,” said his stepfather, Jim Meier. “He was at home on the stage with people watching him.”
Sammons began performing professionally at local venues this past year.
Music helped him temporarily escape from everyday matters, including his illness.
“When I’m playing, it frees my spirit,” he told the Herald-Tribune in July.
During his Los Angeles visit, Sammons shared with Slash some of his original music, which they recorded in a private studio.
“I think I play a lot like him; not on purpose, that’s just how it went,” Sammons later remarked.
Slash later offered some encouraging words on a Web site Sammons’ stepfather created for the young musician.
“Having spent a few hours jamming with him & his friend Tommy, I got to know Heath a little better. Not only is he an awesome kid, he’s a good songwriter as well!” Slash posted on www.heathsupdate.blogspot.com.
“He definitely can play the guitar, that much I have witnessed, & pretty damn well too! Having Heath & his family out in LA was a gas,” Slash added.
Jim Meier said his stepson had a promising musical career.
Several of Sammons’ performances can be viewed on YouTube. Recollections and condolences can be posted at caringbridge.org/visit/heathsammons.
Some of Sammons’ bandmates will pay tribute to him with a concert today at the Manatee County Fairgrounds from 2 to 6 p.m. A celebration of his life that includes a video tribute is planned for 11 a.m. today at First Baptist Church in Palmetto.
In addition to his mother and stepfather, Sammons is survived by his father and stepmother, Gary and Peggy Sammons of Bradenton; a brother, Colt, and a sister, Karissa, both of Palmetto; stepsisters Morgan Mitchell and Aubrey Lioce of Bradenton; and several extended family members.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Joy FM 88.1, 6469 Parkland Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243."

Related Links:Heath Sammons jams with Slash Video