The quietly inspiring life of Samuel Symons | Australian Story
239,552
Published 2018-10-08
But his witty personality always shone through, despite the seemingly endless and gruelling treatments.
Samuel grew up with his two brothers, Raphael and Joel, mother Elly and his television and radio personality father, Red Symons. But his parents never spoke publicly about Samuel’s illness.
That was until Australian Story started filming with them in 2006 and continued tracking Samuel's progress for three years for an intimate and raw look into the journey of childhood cancer.
Samuel passed away on October 3, 2018, age 27. His mother Elly introduces this story which looks back on Samuel's remarkable life.
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All Comments (21)
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A remarkable, REMARKABLE person. Look at all he achieved and how he lived regardless of what he was living through. Incredible.
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Thank you to the Symons family for getting Samuel's story out for us all to see. Thank you Samuel for being an inspiration.
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This story reminds me so much of my son's life. Between the age of 18 months and age 14, he had 6 neurosurgeries. He graduated from high school, graduated from college and worked for a grocery company for 25 years. Today he is retired after suffering a massive stroke in 2015 that took all of his short term memory. But he is a happy young man, that lives everyday as new.
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I am a grown up man who never met or heard about Sam but have been touched to the core by his story of courage and resilience. RIP brave, inspiring and beautiful human being.
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As a mother myself, finding out that the hospital failed to inform me on two separate occasions that my son had cancer; I would of lost it. What an inspirational story. RIP Samuel, may god be with you x
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Beautiful soul. Nobody deserved that - Mum Elly is super human. A heart crushing yet touching story delivered with dignity. Rest well dear sweet fellow. Life just stopped for 28 minutes.
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What a great family Well done mum and dad raising such gorgeous kids
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I'm a grand mother on the other side of the world, and this video was recommended in my feed. I am so glad that I watched, because this young man achieved greatness throughout his life. He has endured with a steadfast will, what many people in his position would have faltered and completely given up. I am encouraged by his life story. To the Symon Family, though late, my condolences to you. 🙏🏾👍🏾🙋🏾♀️
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Felt very privileged to have an inside look at this family's journey. My heart goes out to Samuels parents.
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This has come to my feed at the time when my son just went through the similar journey Sam has. It’s the same feelings we have as parents of these warrior kids. Should we let go or fight on. The take away from this is no matter how short or long your life is, the most important is that you are happy most of the times. I wish the same for my son. Blessings to Sam parents, the journey was a roller coaster one, and I am still in that journey. I hope I do things right by him.
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Listening to Sam has touched me deep inside my soul. Thank you to Sam and his family for sharing your story. Rest In Peace, you dear sweet soul. ❤️✝️
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Thank you for leaving a legacy of kindness, care and positivity in this world. You are still, despite resting in peace, an inspiring young man.
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Such a sad story. A wonderful, engaging smart young man who is no longer with us. Sad also, his parents are no longer together. Life is hard. I hope Sam is in a peaceful place.
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This child was brilliant and wise and clever. I love him.
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Rest in peace, Mr Samuel Symons. A too short but very well lived life. You are remembered.
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One of the saddest most powerful Stories Ive seen. I find it too painful To know that amazing kid went through so much, for so long. He was an old soul. Such bravery is incredible. I lasted half a minute in a brain mri! I have severe claustrophobia. My heart goes to his whole family. My heart goes to that special kid that can teach us all about living and life. Samuel the angel.
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Tonight I was watching a Hey Hey from 1991 and they mentioned that Red had just had his first son, Samuel. So I looked him up and found out just now about what the future held for him! I've gone from his birth to his life and death within an hour, and I've been in tears watching this. Such a beautiful soul, and so sad what they all endured. Rest in Peace Samuel.
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Finally he is pain free hope he reborn with cancer free such an inspiring story and supportive parents. RIP
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My son had thyroid cancer. Samual’s look on life was beautiful. So much happiness and now it’s facing so much advertisement. He is a true hero. I’m going to show this video to my son so he can be happy just enjoy his life. I have had a few hurdles where I am just happy to still be here also. Thank you very much for sharing your story. I am sure we have have touched so many peoples lives during his short time here.
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Just heard the news! Gutted!!! My heart goes out to the Symons family, Sam was such an inspiring young man who fought so hard for so long. RIP Champion!
