Matthew Rushing

Dear Hassenbusch Family,
I am very sorry for your loss, and can completely empathize with you. My dad, Gary Rushing, passed away on January 14, 2009 of a GBM; he was a patient of Dr. Puduvalli’s. We actually heard of Dr. Hassenbusch from Dr. Erwin Lo in Beaumont on December 18, 2007-the day Dad was diagnosed. Having just experienced the loss of my dad, I understand what you have been going through. Although we never met Dr. Hassenbusch, we heard a lot about him and gathered that he was a great man who was well respected by his colleagues. God Bless.

 

 

 Lucy Calzada

 

Hassenbusch family,
Two years ago I discovered there was a doctor and patient here at M. D. Anderson named Dr. Samuel Hassenbusch. I learned about him through the article in the messenger, “Switching Roles: When Employees Become Patients.” I was the other employee/patient featured in the article. After I read his story, I was not surprised of his generosity in giving himself to help find a cure. When you work at M. D. Anderson, you can’t help but want to do what you can to heal and comfort the patients you come in contact with. Every time I was asked to join a research study, I automatically said yes. Anything to help find a cure. Even though I did what I could to help others and put on a happy face, quietly inside, I feared the unknown. Dr. Hassenbusch and I exchanged e-mails a couple of times in Jan. 2006, and then I had the pleasure of meeting him that summer at one of our Employee Cancer Support Group meetings. Even though our interactions were brief, his words of hope, faith, and inspiration have stayed with me these last two years and helped me through some tough times. I no longer fear the unknown. Dr. Hassenbusch was obviously a very special man. A few minutes of his life made a big difference in mine. I can only imagine how many lives he’s touched.
You have my deepest sympathy. God bless you all.

 

 

 

Shirley Oakley

Dear Rhonda, Amanda, Jack, and Jason,
I was so sorry for your loss. Sam put up an incredibly brave fight and was an inspiration to us all. I will always remember his wonderful smile and his positive attitude. More important, Sam shared his faith openly and gave us eternal hope. I know that he and John are sharing a beautiful place now, and we shall be with them again. In the meantime, I will pray for strength and peace for you as you continue this journey. I know how much you will miss Sam’s presence, but he will be with you in spirit and his love will be with you forever.

With love,
Shirley Oakley

 

Susan Ford

Dear Rhonda, Jack, Jason, and Amanda

The wonder and curiosity of Sam were truly remarkable. His faith in others inspired those he touched to be greater than they knew they could be. As I read the thoughtful comments posted to this site by friends, family, colleagues, and patients, I know we are truly blessed to have known Sam and to call him friend.

Kristina read to me the following by the late Erma Bombeck:

“When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left
and could say I used everything You gave me.”

Sam gave so much, impacting our world in so many ways. Such a talented, generous individual. He was “present” in all he did, quick to laugh, smile, and dance with Elvis.

Blessings and love to you, Rhonda. Sam will always be a very special man.

Susan and Kristina

 

Deborah Sims

Jason, Rhonda, and Family,

I am a missionary to Latin America who was diagnosed in 2003 with stage 4 lung cancer. I met Dr. Sam in 2006, when he sought me out at M.D. Anderson before a CT Scan to pray with me. I was stunned and thrilled at the same time. Quickly, a deep respect for him grew in my heart. I would speak of him and our shared faith to my doctors in the lung department. Just last week, I was asked to share my story in a high school science class in New England. I spoke of the many things Dr. Sam helped me to understand concerning cancer, my body, healing, and faith. It was my honor to have known him. For our paths to have crossed, I consider it to have been a divine appointment. I will continue to share of him and the things he impacted into my life every time I am given an opportunity to witness for the gospel. He brought strength to me in my fight with cancer, at a time when he was facing his own battle. I never expected to find such hope, faith, and the love of Christ at the Medical Center, but I did. It was in Dr. Sam. I was a nobody, and he still cared. We shared the Word of God together, and he allowed me to read parts of his book. When he prayed with me and my husband, I could feel peace.

It hurts to have him gone, but my heart is warmed when I think of how he was a man who changed lives through his abilities and faith. My husband and I will be praying for you during this time of difficulty. Our hearts are with you. May the peace and comfort of the Lord be upon you, Deborah.

 

Vinay Puduvalli

Dear Rhonda and family,
As a colleague of Sam’s from the Neuro-oncology dept., I not only had the pleasure of working with Sam in taking care of patients together but also got to know him over many years and the several committees we were on together. The striking thing about Sam, to all who knew him, was his gentle, always optimistic personality, his quiet sense of humor, his willingness to unhesitatingly offer his time and help to anyone who needed it, and his incredible dignity throughout his journey battling the brain tumor. After his diagnosis, he took over advocacy for brain tumor patients with the same personal commitment and vigor that he did everything else in his professional life. We not only learned from his expertise in neurosurgical oncology but also from his personal experience as a patient. It was a privilege to have worked with him; he will remain in our memories as one among the highest ideals in this institution. Wishing you strength as you move ahead.

 

Amy Heimberger, M.D.

My first visit to M. D. Anderson was the fall of 2001, when I came to interview for a faculty position in the Department of Neurosurgery. Sam picked me up from my hotel and took me to the Faculty Center in a red muscle car, whose rumbling motor you could hear four blocks away. As we drove up each of the ramps to the various levels in the car park, the other cars’ alarm systems were loudly set off. Sam kept right on talking about a clinical trial he was working on. This small anecdote was so reflective of the type of person Sam was. No matter of the surrounding Sturm und Drang—Sam was always calm, incredibly insightful, and a delight to be around. I will miss him more than can be articulated.

 

Phil Tally, M.D.

We all have lost a great, gentle, man. Like others, I enjoyed his wit, humbleness, knowledge, and strength of character. As we go through our profession meeting and learning from colleagues, Sam is on the “short list” of those we’ll always be glad to share with others with pride that he was a personal friend. My sincere sympathy and prayers to the family.

 

Suzanne Mitchell

To the Hassenbusch Family:

I am a nine-year breast cancer patient, and I used to work at M. D. Anderson. I started a “support group” there, now operating under the auspices of the Anderson Network/Dept. of Volunteer Services, for employees who were also cancer survivors. When I heard about Dr. H’s diagnosis, I sent him an e-mail and invited him to come to a meeting of our group. I didn’t really expect him to respond, or to attend—I know how busy surgeons are, and he was also going through his own treatment.

But of course, he responded to my e-mail right away, saying that he’d love to attend. And he did. Several times. And shared stories, and support, and warmth that touched the rest of us beyond measure. Here was a colleague, a physician, who was reaching out in a way that I, certainly, had never experienced before.

What a lovely and inspiring human being he was. And Rhonda, I heard you speak with Sam at an MDACC “Living Fully With Cancer” conference a few years ago and was incredibly moved by your words and your perspective.

My deepest condolences to you, his family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with so many of us.

 

Henry Hasenbush

Dear Family, Friends, and Colleagues of Sam:

I am Sam’s second cousin, and I met him through the e-mail in the summer of 2007. I have not met Sam in person, but I was privileged to be able to share an e-mail correspondence with him during the summer.

I am sharing this short e-mail correspondence publicly, as it seems to give some insights into Sam’s courage and his scholarship.

“On 8/4/07, Hassenbusch, Samuel wrote:
Henry—attached is a slightly more detailed list of names—your points below notwithstanding—you make good points. However, you might want to look at the file attached (Word document) titled shortened summary names of God. I have gone through many of the names (some are from Pentateuch, others from Psalms, etc., and given my transliteration of the Hebrew for each and the actual verse in which the name appears.

I did this for my own updated learning—at one point I knew all these but have grown rusty over the years.

Maybe some of this might be helpful to you in your study of the Torah? A thought anyway.

Your thoughts?

And I agree Ps. 23 and 91 do have much in common BUT Psalm 91, especially the last paragraph is so POWERFUL in my mind !!!!! When he cries out to me, I will hear his plea BECAUSE HE LOVES me and acknowledges me before others. I will deliver him from danger, be with him, and BLESS HIM—what a thought !!!! I’m quoting freehand from my memorization of the whole Psalm last week—pardon any inaccuracies on my part.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Sam”

I share with so many of you a deep sense of loss. May his memory be for a blessing.

Henry Hasenbush

 

Price Cleaver

I had the honor of calling Dr. Hassenbusch a customer in my role as a medical sales rep during his first few years in Houston. He always treated me as a colleague and never used his vast knowledge and experience to place himself above me. I learned much from him during those days and count them among the highlights of my career. On several occasions we hosted physician dinners and would all chuckle as he drove up in his beloved Charger, only to park it next to all the fine luxury cars of his peers! All sales reps should be so fortunate as to have encountered someone like Dr. Hassenbusch in their careers. May the same God that he worshiped comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.

 

Linda and Jene Gilmore

Rhonda, Amanda, Jack, & Jason,

It has been a privilege to be your neighbors for these many years. You all are always so helpful to everyone.

Sam was always willing and patient to answer any medical question and offer free advice for us. His courage and determination dealing with this dreadful disease left us with great admiration for this warm, talented, and gifted man. We will miss his presence in the neighborhood, but his spirit will be with us. We will remember him with a smile on our face, especially when Jason cranks up the bike.

Rhonda, the strength and character that you and Jason have shown throughout his illness is awesome. May God continue to give you his strength during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

Mark and Patty Bertrand

Patty and I would like to extend our sympathy to Rhonda and Dr. Sam’s family. What a wonderful man, and very humble. He was a walking, talking witness concerning our Lord Jesus. His concern was always for others, and not himself. Dr. Sam also possessed a wonderful sense of humor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I will treasure those memories in my heart, until we meet again.

 

Donna Bloodworth, M.D.

I am heartsick for your family’s loss. Dr. Hassenbusch educated innumerable learners across a spectrum of allied health professions at the Texas Medical Center about intractable pain and its compassionate treatment. Dr. Hassenbusch’s wise instruction will continue to improve the care and quality of life of many patients through the hands of those who learned from him. God bless you. DB.

 

Claudia Sangster

Dear Hassenbusch Family—
Sam Hassenbusch has been such a ray of hope for so many afflicted with this dreadful type of brain cancer. My husband, Chris, lost his battle with the same cancer two weeks ago, yesterday. It seems that Sam and Chris followed a parallel course, since both had their recurrence at the same time this past year. I will never forget the graciousness extended by Sam when we were first confronted with the news—Sam answered the e-mail of a stranger (me) and gently guided me as I tried to make sense of the science and helped us select the appropriate treatment option. He was so patient in his explanations and generous with his time. My husband was in the same trial, but at Duke Medical Center, and throughout the year, we exchanged e-mails regarding progress. What joy when we discovered that we shared the same faith—the e-mails thereafter always ended with scripture, and when we finally met Sam (and Rhonda) in person last May, we stood outside on the sidewalk at the Medical Center and prayed together. It was a holy moment. Sam’s incredible attitude and faith was a beacon to so many, and this world is a little less with his absence. But heaven is a “little more” with its newest member, Sam. Godspeed, Sam. To Rhonda, Jason, Jack, Amanda, and all his other family and friends, my sincere and deep condolences as you journey this path of grief during your separation from Sam. You will see him again on the other side, for God’s promises are true. I envision Sam and Chris together watching over us all—they will never leave us, because their impact has been so great.

With affection, Claudia

 

Ellen Warner

What a great loss Sam’s death has been for the Warner family. As his sister-in-law, I have always been so proud of all Sam’s accomplishments as a doctor, researcher, charitable fund-raiser, man of faith, and family man. He truly was admired, respected, and loved by our family. His strong faith, his belief in a loving God, his sincere kindness to all, and his unflinching determination to live, has set such an amazing example for our family on how we should live!

Sam, or “Uncle Hoppy,” as my adult children still call him, was a very intelligent, work-driven man, but his deep concern for his patients or anyone in need of his skills, his kindness to all, and his never-ending desire to further advance the treatment of cancer, will be what we remember most.

To Rhonda, Jack, Shannon, Breena, Kayla, Jason, Hannah, Amanda, and Brendan, we are so sorry that Sam has left our family, but his spirit lives in all of you. We will miss him greatly, but we know that he is with God now, continuing his compassionate concern and love for all, but especially his family.

All my love,

Ellen

 

Kim Foster

Hassenbusch Family,

I had the honor of working with Dr. Hassenbusch on a few media stories during my short tenure at M. D. Anderson. I was a little intimidated at first because I had seen him countless times on “Houston Medical” when I worked at Memorial Hermann. However, that feeling went away very quickly after meeting him. He was such a kind person. We chatted about the picture he had of his first Dodge Charger in his office and motorcycles. Of course, his face just lit up when we started talking motorcycles! I think he loved the fact I asked so many questions.

Your family and Dr. Hassenbusch are in my prayers. Please accept my most sincere condolences. He was such a wonderful man.

Kim

 

Cecilia Owen

Dear Rhonda and Family,

I had the honor and pleasure of seeing Dr. Hassenbush’s smiling face every day at work. He always had a kind word to say, or a simple hello or goodbye for the day, no matter how he was feeling. I had the opportunity to assist him for a few weeks and found that he was truly a kind and remarkable man who had a wonderful and loving family. His smiling face and presence here will be greatly missed. Thank you for making me feel like part of your family. I carry the rabbit angel with me every day and will always remember “rabbit in the bush”—thank you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love,

Cecilia

 

Paula DeMasi

To Sam’s family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sam was truly a wonderful, incredible man. It was an honor and privilege to work with him both in the O.R. and as a nurse in neurosurgery.

I will always remember his milkshakes and McDonald’s food, cowboy boots, and O.R. shoes with holes in them, his quirky sense of humor, his ties, and the occasional funny text messages he would send out of the blue.

We will miss Sam so much as a friend and a healer—he was courageous,
gracious, and strong in his faith—I was blessed to have known him.
My heart goes out to all of you.

Paula

 

Sue Hassenbusch

Having known Sam since his birth in St. Joseph, we have many memories of his growing up and his years in Baltimore and in Houston when we came to him for surgery. His parents would be so very proud of him today. Not only in his professional achievements, but in his wonderful family as well. May you all find comfort in your wonderful memories of this remarkable man. Our whole family sends love.

 

Rebecca Clearman, M.D.

Years ago I heard about Sam Hassenbusch, M.D., long before I met him. Brilliant physician with a charming and warm personality, they told me—WOW! What an understatement.

During my years at MDACC, I came to appreciate Sam’s work in my patient’s lives. His patients adored him, and watching him interact, I understood why. Sam treated me with professional kindness and respect and personal warmth. Sam was a noble spirit, and I miss him. My heart goes out to his family and to all of us who must face the loss of this great man.

 

Jimmy Ponder, M.D.

There are few people that you meet in life that you can have a first encounter with and know that was a good man. Sam was that person. I first met Sam at a meeting in Memphis in 1995 and was immediately struck on how kind and knowledgeable he was. I couldn’t believe that a neurosurgeon was teaching me (an anesthesiologist) how to do these procedures, and the knowledge he had from being on the other side of the curtain. Sam later examined me for the FIPP examination in Puerto Rico in Jan. 2005. Sam will always be remembered for his contribution to relieving pain and his gift to interventional pain specialists. His kindness, goodness, sincerity, and calm demeanor were his greatest assets. His stature, as a person, was much greater than his height. Thank you, Sam.

 

Jennifer and Charles Hicks

Dear Amanda, Jason, Jack, and Mrs. Hassenbusch,

Dr. Hassenbusch was such a wonderful man, who was an inspiration to the both of us in our own faith and lives. We know he is rejoicing in Heaven with God and singing! Charles loved his theological talks during the wedding, and he was and still is so in awe of Dr. Hassenbusch’s wealth of knowledge in all things related to God and the Bible! His faith is a testament to all, and I know we could all see Christ’s light shining through him in everything he did in the medical field and with his family. Know you are all in Charles’ and my thoughts and prayers.

 

Larry Driver

To Sam’s Family,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences upon Sam’s passing. We will miss him more than we now know.

Sam was one of the first people that I met when I arrived at M. D. Anderson ten years ago. I was impressed with the depth of his intellect and his ability to translate scientific knowledge into clinical know-how. Even more, I was struck by the obvious caring and compassion with which he treated his patients and everyone else. He possessed a unique talent for being an international leader and authority in his field, combined with the warm bedside manner of a country doctor. His standard was one we should all emulate. I was blessed to be his colleague and friend.

Over the years I have continued to admire and respect Sam for his dedication to his patients and efforts toward improving their lives, his obvious integrity, his steady and pleasant demeanor even in the face of daunting challenges, his clear love for his family, and his spiritual fervor and committed faith which sustained him. I was not at all surprised to learn that Sam was an Eagle Scout, for he embodied the tenets of the Scout Oath and Law.

Sam touched and blessed many lives in many ways—patients, friends, colleagues—and his legacy will last for generations to come. Because of knowing Sam Hassenbusch, we are all better than we would have been.

May the Lord of peace give you His peace.

 

Pat Girard

I extend my deepest sympathies to Dr. H’s family. What a great honor it must have been to have such a wonderful human being in your lives. I wrote to him after his first CBS News special for some help, as my bother had the same type of tumor. When I e-mailed him, I was not sure I would get an answer. Two very kind and compassionate e-mails later, I knew he was a great man. I was watching the CBS Evening News last night and was deeply saddened, to the point of many tears, to hear that he had passed away. He had been in my prayers and thoughts since May of 2007, and the last few months quite often. We are left with so many wonderful memories in our hearts of the people who leave us behind, but it still doesn’t seem enough. You are in my prayers and thoughts.

God bless you.

Pat Girard

 

Jan Jenkins (Riders for the Cure)

Rhonda, Jason, and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Sam’s passing yesterday. He has been on my mind for the past week, and just last Thursday we asked for prayers for your family during our Bible study, knowing you were all going through a very difficult time but not knowing the details.

I first met Sam through an e-mail, because he had heard from someone that I rode a motorcycle. Not long after, I saw his name tag while we were riding on an elevator together, and I said, “Oh, you’re Dr. Hassenbusch!” and introduced myself. His reply was, “No, I am Sam”—and he thanked me for introducing myself. He was so genuine. Then we talked for ten minutes or so about riding and his desire to form a riders’ group at MDACC. The first e-mail I received after we met ended with, “My dream right now is forming an MC-squared (MCMC) Medical Center MotorCyclists group—NO dues, NO colors, just fun riding together.” I am so glad he was able to see that dream realized. I bet he’s in Heaven right now starting the same thing. Heck, until I met Sam, I never even knew there was such a thing as an “Annual Ride to Work Day,” and now I have two pins!

I have met very few people who can instantly touch your life the way Sam could. His faith in God was evident. Without his having to preach to someone, he demonstrated through his own actions what it means to be a Christian. This world would be a much better place if there were a lot more Sams, but I am sure God has better plans for him.

Sam always enjoyed talking more about riding or what was going on in someone else’s life than he did talking about himself and his illness. His attitude toward others and his constant, selfless giving of himself is a true inspiration. I read some of the other e-mails you have received, and I have to agree with so many of them—our lives are so much richer for having known Sam. What a blessing to have had him as a husband and father. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.

I pray that God will cradle you in His arms and give you all the strength you need to get through this time. As for me, I can’t wait to see Sam and go riding again. I’m sure he’ll have another group formed by the time I get there. Until then, I will miss him. but I will not forget him.

God bless and keep you all,

Jan

 

Michelle Feavel

To all the members of the Hassenbusch family,

I am having difficulty finding just the right words to express my sympathy on your loss…after all, it was Sam who gave us such inspirational hope in dealing with our daughter Kelly’s diagnosis of glioblastoma. Such courage, compassion, and fortitude will be remembered always with tenderness and love. We are saddened that Sam’s battle was cut short. Rest assured, we will continue this fight and not rest until a cure for this cancer is found. Our hearts are with you now and always. Sam fought the good fight, and now it is our turn to carry it forward.

May God comfort you.

Dave and Michelle Feavel (parents of Kelly DeScioli)

 

Tom Burke MD

Rhonda and Family. I am truly sorry that Sam could not win this one. I always talk about how I became attracted to oncology because of the personal bravery and risk-taking nature of cancer patients—and how I was energized to become their medical partner. Sam took this philosophy to heart by putting himself out in front and sharing his experiences, hopes, successes, and failures with everyone. To do this in a very public forum takes exceptional courage. Sam contributed much throughout his life in many very different areas—but his willingness to be just himself during the past two and half years probably did the most for all of us. I will remember him very fondly.

 

Mark E. Linskey, M.D. 

To the Hassenbusch Family,

I knew Sam for the last nine years, working on common issues through the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies, usually surrounding neurosurgery practice management and/or coding and reimbursement issues. His quick mind, practical pragmatic approach to problem solving, his excellent sense of humor, and his easy way of working and interacting with others will be sorely missed. While I know he did a tremendous amount to directly help his own patients and their families, he had an even greater impact in preserving the capacity of our surgical specialty to continue to provide patient access to the best possible neurosurgical care nationally. There is not a neurosurgeon in the country that does not owe him a debt of gratitude for his tireless advocacy and important contributions. The positive downstream effects for each our own patients are even more difficult to imagine and quantify. I will miss Sam. We all will. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of a terrific person.

With Respect,

Mark E. Linskey, M.D.
Associate Professor and Chairman
Department of Neurological Surgery
University of California, Irvine

 

Margaret Kripke

Dear Rhonda,
I was so sad to learn of Sam’s passing today. He was such a great contributor to our institution and an inspiration to cancer patients everywhere. I so admired him for his cheerful and caring demeanor while undergoing his own treatment. We shall all miss him very much. I hope it is some small comfort to you and your family that many, many people join you in grieving over his loss.

With my sincere condolences,
Margaret Kripke

 

Debbie Tanner

Dr. Hassenbusch will be greatly missed by all; my heart goes out to you all. I lost my mother last April to cancer at MDACC and know how hard it is to deal with. I struggle every day with my loss but keep going because of the love of my family and friends. Please know I am one friend that you can count on for hugs and prayers. Rhonda and Sam were so kind to me when I worked in Neurosurgery, and there were days that their kind words kept me going through some hard times in that department. In fact, the last conversation I had with Sam was about my leaving the department, and he hugged me and told me that life was too short to be somewhere that made me so unhappy and that moving on to another department was a new beginning in life’s journey, and he wished me the best and said to let him know if he could ever do anything for me and that I would be greatly missed in the department by those who cared about me…he was so right, and no words could ever express how he made me feel in those last few days in that department. I know he’s in a better place like my mother, and they are watching over us daily. The sun is them smiling over us, the rain is them crying with us, and the wind is them kissing us. May you have lots of sun and wind in your life. I know I will. All my love, Debbie.

 

Joshua Prager, M.D., (NANS)

Dear Rhonda and Family,

Reading the comments of Dean Willis, there is little more that I can add. Sam was a bright, humble, generous, caring, selfless, humorous, motivated person who touched the lives of so many of us. His legacy will live on.

I had the privilege of knowing Sam for about fifteen years. We spent memorable times teaching numerous cadaver courses in Memphis. His teaching was superb, and his ability to share knowledge based on his experience was outstanding. He took on the task of teaching about neuromodulation seriously, and his talks were engaging, insightful, and thorough. He was a great teacher and mentor, taking on this role seriously, making those he taught feel comfortable.

Sam was the third President of the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS). He succeeded John Oakley, M.D., whom we also so dearly miss. Sam was President during trying times for our nascent organization. His dedication and hard work preserved our society so that it could later flourish.

Sam set an example for all us with the tireless work he did to ensure patient access to therapies we provide. Many of us arduously filled out surveys for him so that he would have the data to argue his points before national committees. Those of us who in many ways dreaded another survey put in the work to complete them, because Sam inspired us to do them, and we did not want to let him down.

From the time I first met Sam, it seemed he knew everyone in the field. His work at Hopkins, and the Cleveland Clinic, as well as with numerous national societies, earned him the respect of so many and endeared him to all he touched.

When the word spread rapidly in 2005 of Sam’s diagnosis of GBM, we were all saddened. We all feared the inevitable and watched as Sam galliantly savored his remaining time.

We all mourn the loss of a great person and realize that his legacy lives on with the work he did and the lives he touched.

 

Karin Wempe

Dear Rhonda and everyone,
You know how I felt about Sam, but I’ll say it anyway—he was an extraordinary gentleman—a surgeon and a scholar.

I truly believe that he was put on this path (cancer surgeon and cancer patient) to put an extra facet to one of the Rose family’s descriptions of Marnie’s cancer journey—“to put a human face to cancer.”

I have one O.R. story—a few times, he would stay in the room with us while he was waiting for the path report. If there weren’t any sitting stools, he would head for a small prep table and hop up on it (look, Ma—no hands!) AND not contaminate himself or fall on his face—pretty neat trick for a table with wheels.

When I saw Sam in Dec., he was showing me the book-in-progress and pecking away on his laptop, and I told him that if I weren’t scrubbing in the O.R. for a living, I would be working as a proofreader and editor. So Jason, if you need any help, I would love to be able to help out.

Love and stitches,

Karin

 

K. Dean Willis, M.D.

Dear Rhonda and family,
I cannot be saddened beyond my ability to rejoice in the life and legacy your husband and father leaves behind on this earth. His being possessed so many good fruits; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If those characteristics sound familiar, they should, for they are the “Fruits of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23). Sam embodied these fruits as no one I have ever known. I was one of the fortunate many who came to call him friend and had the life-changing opportunity to get to know him and your family. His steadfast search to serve our Lord God made Sam that “light upon a hill” and that “salt” that flavored life for so many he touched. He certainly touched me, and I am a better man because of it. Thank you, Sam, and thank you, Rhonda, for sharing so much of him with the rest of us. He adores you so much and always will.

Not only was Sam a remarkable physician, teacher, mentor, caregiver, and friend, but he was a “hoot.” I will never be able to mourn his passing without remembering “Elvis” popping out of a cadaver bag to sing happy birthday to him one day in Memphis. Or the time he drove a van full of pain physicians back to the hotel with the radio blaring and him singing, “Born to Be Wild” at the top of his lungs while we took a turn of the expressway up on two wheels. Or the time I rode a flat-bottom speed boat around a hairpin turn on a New Zealand river at eighty miles an hour, six inches from the rock walls lining the gorge, and he called it fun. Rhonda, you and I called it crazy and left our fingernails in the boat hull, if I remember correctly. I could go on, but we get the picture. Sam, for all his impressive academic prowess and impeccable credentials, knew how to live and knew how to enjoy his friends, his family, and his life. We would all do well to continue to learn from his example.

The world is a little darker, a little less fun, and significantly sadder today than yesterday, but it is still so much better off in every way because Sam Hassenbusch walked among us and touched us all.

Rhonda, Jack, Jason, and Amanda, may God grant you His peace and comfort you with His presence in a most powerful way as you mourn. And be reminded always that we do not mourn as those who have no hope. May Sam’s life light continue to shine and brighten the lives of all you touch, as he lives on in each of you.

 

Curtis Pettaway

To Rhonda, Jack, Jason, and Amanda:
Sam was an incredible Christian man. So full of purpose and productive for the Lord. He walked his talk! I have seen few with a faith as vibrant as Sam’s. When Sam was diagnosed with cancer, he knew what his mission was. He wanted to use himself as an example to witness to others about Jesus. He had a boldness that few possess! I found him often deflecting our conversation from “how his treatment was going” to how this has given him an opportunity to do more for the Lord. I truly believe that he was able to look beyond this current life into the next. Sam was the kind of “soldier” that I strive to be. I can only imagine, as he made his transition, that the Lord was waiting with open arms to say, “WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.” May the Lord bless you all, and may his grace lift you. You are a very blessed and special family.

 

Allen Burton

Dear Rhonda, Jason, and Family,

We (Sam’s colleagues, friends, and patients) were so blessed to have Sam with us for so many years. Then, just when we feared the GBM would take him, we had him for a couple more years such a gift, and what an inspiration to all of us.

His warmth, humanity, vigor, and sense of purpose inspired all of us to work a little harder, love our families a little deeper, pray a little more often, indeed, to live more fully in every sense of the word.

God bless you all; may He hold you in this time of grief. We thank you, his family, for sharing him with us.

Heaven became a nicer place to be today when Sam rode in.

 

Philipp M. Lippe, M.D. 

Gail and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Jason, Rhonda, Jack, Amanda, and the entire family. Words cannot express the deep sorrow we felt on learning the news about Sam’s departure.

I first met Sam over ten years ago, but got to know him better as he followed my steps at the AMA CPT Editorial Panel and then as he became active in the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) and the American Board of Pain Medicine (ABPM). I had the privilege and pleasure of working closely with him for many years and on many projects. In 2006 Sam was awarded the Philipp M. Lippe, M.D. Award by the AAPM. It was a proud moment for me.

I know that Sam bravely endured the indignities of his brain tumor with grace, strength, and dignity. It is not easy for a physician, especially a neurosurgeon, to accept the known prognosis of this disease and to give up control to others in whose hands we all must learn to place our trust and our lives.

Sam enjoyed life, his family, and his profession. His many accomplishments in service to his patients, to neurosurgery, to pain medicine, and to his colleagues will never be forgotten. Sam was loved by all and loved all in return. He has escaped the earthly bonds and now resides in a much happier and peaceful place. Sam may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

May God continue to bless all of you.

Philipp M. Lippe, M.D. and Gail B. Lippe

 

Gaynell Lira

My heart is heavy to learn this news. Dr. Hassenbusch ministered to my husband when he was at M. D. He also called my husband several times at home when he was with hospice to also minister to him. He really helped my husband Rudy get thru some of his final days. Only God can comfort you at this time, so lean on Him, because He is walking right beside you. The family will be in my prayers. I could never thank Dr. Hassenbusch for the comfort he gave to my Rudy. May God’s peace be with you and your family. Gaynell Lira.

 

Daniel T. Minnehan

Jason and Family,

Your father was an inspiration to me and many more just like me. He gave me hope and faith, and the “Bad to the Bone Marrow Ride” never would have gotten off the ground if it weren’t for Dr. Sam leading me in the right direction. He would listen to your thoughts and ideas. I am honored and privileged to have known and ridden with Dr. Sam.

My prayers go out to you and your family,

Daniel T. Minnehan

 

Charles Bailey 

Dr. Sam rode with our motorcycle group, “The Prophets.” The first time he rode with us, I asked him to share something about head and helmet safety. He gladly shared with our group the importance of wearing a helmet. He said, “I know what can happen to the head, as I work on them all the time.” He laughed and then said, “Now on a serious note, always protect your head.” He was a man who enjoyed life and spending it with those he cared about. Dr. Sam, you will be greatly missed, till we meet again, my friend. My prayers are with you, Rhonda, and all of the family. Charlie and Tina.

 

Dr. J. P. Price

Dr. Sam has been an inspiration to our Church and my personal life. With deliberate prudence as a senior pastor, few will I trust to speak into my life. Dr. Sam was such a man of knowledge and integrity. I enjoyed his weekly questions concerning sermons, or in general Bible study. He would share Hebrew words and meanings of certain texts, which I found to be very accurate and deeply in tune with the Holy Spirit. I considered him as an equal in Theology and treasured his mentoring and coaching. He never questioned his own condition to me—he only prayed for others and always wanted to know how I was doing. Without question the Heavenly Choir and the Divine Welcoming Committee greeted Dr. Sam as he entered those beautiful gates of Heaven. He made it there ahead of me, but one day I will rejoice and spend eternity chatting, laughing, and enjoying Heaven with my ole friend, Dr. Sam. What better eulogy can be said of any man better than: Dr. Sam was a good, good man.

 

Patrick Browning (Riders for the Cure)

It has been a true honor and privilege to be counted among Dr. Sam’s friends. His enthusiasm for life and service to others makes him a rare man indeed.

Sam was and will continue to be an inspiration—not only to cancer survivors and researchers—but to those who felt his spirit and appreciated the joy with which he lived his life. The world has been made a much richer place by virtue of Sam’s life, and the universe is a much richer place now. I pray for God’s grace and healing to comfort Sam’s family.

One of the greatest things about Sam is that his spirit will live on through the lives of those he touched. I presume that the Lord will grant Sam permission to lead the motorcycle club in Heaven.

I look forward to riding together again someday, my friend.

 

Linda and Jeff Taylor

We were so sad to learn of Sam’s passing. So many vivid memories of your whole family came flooding back, from all of those “formative” years that we spent together in Baltimore. We will all miss Sam’s compassion and sense of humor, which he kept in spite of his personal struggles. His life was an inspiration to all of us who aspire to trust ourselves to the Lord’s care and keeping, even when facing the scary unknown. He never seemed to doubt or fear, and that fact speaks volumes about his faith. May we all have our faith strengthened by his consistent example. We will surely continue to feel him close to us, even as he moves on to more glorious things.

Linda, Jeff and family.

 

Kelly DeScioli 

I cannot even begin to explain how Sam has helped me with my fight. He was a truly amazing man who showed me how to be knowledgeable and courageous during my battle. He also demonstrated how to use this knowledge and courage to the best of my ability to help others dealing with the same struggle. I feel truly blessed to have known him. He was the most compassionate neurosurgeon I have ever met. The Hassenbusch family remains in my prayers, and Sam will always be in my heart.
Love,
Kelly

 

Deborah “Blanche” Blanchette (Harley’s Angels)

To the Hassenbusch Family:

I’m sure like many others, I wished this day would never come. My heart too is broken at the loss of “Dr. Sam.” My prayers are with you all.

I worked at U. T. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center for almost fifteen years. As I was leaving (almost two years ago) and had already purchased my first motorcycle, the “Riders for the Cure” Employees Motorcycle Riding group was being formed. That’s where I first met Dr. Hassenbusch, at the first employee’s group meeting. I had already been a member of the Harley’s Angels and was serving as the organization’s secretary. He and Jason have been such great advocates of our organization, and likewise, I love being a part of the annual “Ridin’ for the Rose.” The times when we would have phone conversations, he would tell me to call him Sam. Even at his insistence, my southern up-bringing just wouldn’t allow me to call him “Sam,” so he accepted my calling him “Dr. Sam.”

I, too, found him to be a kind, energetic, down-to-earth soul on a mission, and I loved the idea of being part of his “crew.” With his guidance we knew it was “Mission Possible”…we will continue to work for the missions that he’ll lead us from up above! Many thanks for the opportunity to be a small part!

 

Jose and Joyce Pascua

Dear Rhonda, Jason, and family:

Dr. Sam was God’s man and a man of God for everyone and for all seasons. He touched our lives with great love and blessing and told us he prayed for us and the ministry. We are forever grateful for his life that was radiant with hope, which flowed freely to countless recipients of his generous and loving heart to bring life and joy to a hurting world.

Our hearts are saddened, and we’ll miss a beloved and dear friend. Thanks for sharing him with us. We love you—you’re in our prayers.

Love,

Jose and Joyce

 

Kim Medlin

I will miss Sam, not only as a neighbor and fellow neurotic Dachshund owner, but as an M. D. Anderson patient. Sam and I shared strolling the neighborhood in unconventional headgear and the difficulties of blood counts too low for chemo. He wrote a prescription for me that has been of immense help in raising my counts: a Guinness Stout a day. Rhonda has been a ray of sunshine on my journey; dropping off seasonal goodies for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. It breaks my heart to see the neighborhood without Rhonda and Sam, walking Peanut.

Love, Kim, Tom, Brian. and Jennifer

 

Carl, Susan, and Megan Edwards Paige and Michael Frenzel 

Tonight there is a new star in the heavens!!!! A bright, powerful, dynamic star—because that was Sam…
You all have been so generous to all our family. We send you our love and our prayers…
Susan, Carl, Megan
Paige and Michael

 

Laxmaiah Manchikanti 

To the Hassenbusch Family,

Sam will be missed greatly by his many friends and colleagues. He was a talented physician, a true friend, and a shining example of the goodness of humanity.

Thank you for sharing his last few weeks with all of us who cared deeply for Sam but were separated by distance. This gesture of caring and compassion is a mirror of Sam’s many marvelous qualities.

My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight and in the coming days.

 

Lanie Rose

The hearts of all the members of the Rose family are broken. We mourn along with you. Sam was the dearest and most special man, who felt like a member of our family. We are better people for having known and experienced Sam’s wisdom, compassion, courage, kindness, and love. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his messages always instilled hope. We send our condolences to all the Hassenbusch clan, together with our admiration for your incredible devotion to Sam throughout his life. You remain a tribute to him, and we love you all. We never let Sam forget that our precious Marnie gave him his start as a TV star, and we always will remember how good he was at it and how much he enjoyed it!! After all, anyone can be a neurosurgeon—Sam was such an enthusiastic participant of the Run for the Rose and grand marshal of Ridin’ for the Rose. The 2008 Run and Ride on April 6 will be dedicated to his memory. May his memory always be as a blessing.
Lanie, Jerry, Myles, Deborah, Darren, and Jennifer Rose

 

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr, M.D. 

To the Family of Dr. Sam Hassenbusch—

I and all the pediatric neurosurgery staff at Johns Hopkins send our heartfelt condolences at this time of grieving. I remember many wonderful times working with Sam during his time at Hopkins. He even had a surgical maneuver named for him involving shunt placement. He had a great sense of humor and always tried to encourage patients and staff alike. We will miss him. May God comfort you.

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr, M.D.
Professor and Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

 

Jennifer Everts 

Rhonda, Jason and family,

The Hassenbusch family is such an awesome family, I am proud to be a part of it!!

I am truly honored to have been able to learn a great deal from Dr. Hassenbusch and your family throughout the years of being your assistant (right hand) and your friend.

Dr. Hassenbusch and your family will always be in my heart and my memories.

Love ya, Jennifer
Mac Gallagher

I am a colleague in the field of pain medicine, working with Sam in national organizations and as an editor of a medical journal for the past five years. Sam was a giant in his field, but his star shined more brightly than others. Why was that? His superior intelligence and dedication to medicine were apparent. However, many have these qualities. What elevated Sam to a higher level of professional leadership and respect was his emotional intelligence. His core goodness, warmth, and integrity infused his professional relationships and enabled the building of trust and collaboration. He liked to have some fun, which relaxed others. These values radiated to others, who then elevated their own professional discourse and behavior. The result was cooperation and progress toward solving difficult problems, leading to better medicine for our patients and better doctors for our society.
The field has lost a giant, but his star will continue to shine—in the patients he touched, in his professional friends and colleagues, and in the lasting achievements he forged with his leadership. We feel a deep loss.
To his family, the source of these qualities, the loss of Sam is profound, and our hearts are with you. We thank you for him and want you to know that he will, indeed, be remembered by us all.

 

Pat Trunck

Rhonda, Jack, Jason, and Amanda,
Since Sam’s diagnosis I have been in awe of his courage and dedication, with his beliefs of advancing medical knowledge and prolonging of a quality of life by using himself as tester and testee. These two years had to be extremely scary times for him as well as all of you. I hope for all of you continued strength into the next few weeks.
Breena and Kayla will always be reminded that there is now a very special Angel keeping watch over them, forever and ever, as I know “Grandpa H’s” love and time spent with them was extremely special.
My care, love and prayers are with you all.
Pat

 

Bill Satterfield, D.V.M.

Words cannot express the impact of this news to those of us in Bastrop at the Keeling Center who knew and worked so closely with Sam since 1993 to develop new therapies to alleviate severe pain in cancer patients. He was in every sense a leader and a physician scientist. It was a great shock when he told me that he was a victim of cancer himself. His subsequent bravery and grace in dealing with his disease was an inspiration to so many, including my own family—especially my father-in-law, who passed away last spring with a brain tumor.
Our ties were always close to him and his life.
We thank God for the time we are given with such special men.
My prayers and deepest sympathies are with Sam’s family. He will be deeply missed.
Bill Satterfield and Family

 

Melly McCutcheon 

Dearest Rhonda and Family,
I know that Sam is rejoicing in Heaven with all the Saints that have gone before him—and Sam certainly was and is a saint! That’s supposed to make you feel better. From my perspective…I am happy that the people I love are in Heaven, but I still wish they were here instead. Since God works through wireless communication with prayer, maybe we can find some way to send Sam a text message and let him know we love him and how much we are all going to miss him. My love and prayers are with you all!!!
Melly McCutcheon

 

John, Veora, and Katie Little

Dear Rhonda, and family,

No words work at this time. We know your hearts are heavy with sorrow today and will be forever. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

We live with the memories of the cheery family with the boundless energy for their community and friends. We remember you from a different lifetime and will cherish those memories. Like, remember when you put the pink flamingos in our front yard when we decided to move to Florida!
Love and strength are with you, and we send ours too. Love, John, Veora, and Katie

 

Jon W. Garcia 

To the Hassenbusch Family:

Please accept my sincere condolences in the loss of Dr. Hassenbusch. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Although I did not know him well, I have gained a deep respect for him and the trials he has been through. The one time I met him, I was at the MDACC for a meeting and was introduced to him as he stepped out of an elevator. My host mentioned that I owned a Honda VTX, and Dr. Hassenbusch and I spent the next ten minutes or so just chatting about our motorcycles and our mutual interest in them. I was always impressed that he would take the time to just chat. He will be missed.

 

Carrie Geier, R.N.

Rhonda and family—you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can never thank Dr Sam enough…he totally changed my life. He showed such courage, faith, love, and humor. I know he is up in heaven organizing and leading a ride for all the other angels. He will always remain in my heart. He is truly a great man. It was an honor to be his clinic nurse as well as on the team caring for him at MDACC. Thank you for that opportunity. God bless and comfort you.

 

Linda Duggan

I want you all to know that Dr. Hassenbusch is one of most wonderful persons I have ever known. His compassion and skill in neurosurgery and pain management brought great comfort to so many people. He will always hold a special esteem in my heart. I wish I could hold you all, because I know this loss is great, and almost more than a person who loved him, especially his family, can bear. My heart is with you.
Linda Duggan

 

Jennifer Brusstar

Hassenbusch Family,

Your family is such an incredible to gift to us, and we will miss Sam tremendously. He was such an inspiration to us all, and his spirit will live with us forever. Heaven just got a little noisier with the new Harley in town…

Ya Gotta Believe,

Jennifer Brusstar and Tim McGraw
The Tug McGraw Foundation

 

Mandy Sowell

Rhonda and family, you have been on my mind so much lately and in my prayers daily. I know that God’s peace and comfort will sustain you during this time. Dr. Hassenbusch will be greatly missed—there is no one that could ever fill his shoes here at MDACC.

 

Linda Dunker (Riders for the Cure) 

To Dr. Sam’s Family:

Our rides won’t be the same without Dr. Sam being right there with us, but I know he will always be riding with us in spirit. I will miss him and his smile, his zest for life and the kind words he always had to say about others. His enthusiasm for our Riders for the Cure Group was evident by bringing us all together. I have many fond memories.

You all are in my prayers and thoughts during this time. Please know he has left an impression on many, and he will be greatly missed.

 

Sharon Hawkins, R.N. 

To the Hassenbush Family:

My deepest sympathies and prayers for comfort to your family. I did not know Dr. Hassenbusch intimately, or for a long time, but after he shared his story to us early one Friday morning in the Brain & Spine Center, I quickly became enamored with him, his courage and strength. He handled this fight with such grace, knowing what he knew of this disease. He has positively touched so many lives. Those lives are all the better from having watched and possibly participated in his story and his struggle. May God continue to comfort and strengthen you all. It goes without saying that your M. D. Anderson family stands ready to do anything that you need us to do in the future. He will never be forgotten. He was such a great man! There was no pretension or inflated ego. He was a regular, approachable guy. He will be greatly missed!

 

Juanika 

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family. Although Dr. Hassenbusch was never one of my doctors I worked with in the Brain and Spine Center, I can say he was one of the doctors that always came in and greeted everyone with a smile on his face. He may have been facing many troubles with himself, but you would never have known. He was truly a remarkable man. Mrs. Hassenbusch is also a remarkable woman. She would come to the clinic with Dr. Hassenbusch and supply us all with goodies in the clinic. That was something she didn’t have to do. It saddens me to have lost someone that has impacted us all here in the Brain and Spine Center, whether it was a kind word, a smile, or just a hello. My heart and prayers go out to the family. He may have been struggling with a brain tumor, but he did not let that get in his way nor hinder him from continuing on in life. He is now our guardian angel. We love you, we miss you.

 

Jim Houdek and Joyce Brady 

To the Hassenbusch family:
Our son, Justin Brady, was a patient of Dr. Hassenbusch’s in 2001. We know that Dr. Hassenbusch did everything to help Justin. In fact, a member of his staff shared that the good doctor had two sons near Justin’s age, and he took our case very personally. Justin was 19 at the time. He performed four operations to rid our son of his tumor. We lost Justin on July 2, 2001. Justin would say that he wanted to go to MDA, because that is where “his” people were. We can only imagine how difficult it must be to care of so many people in the worst shape and still be kind and supportive. Dr. Hassenbusch was among the fine staff that cared for our son. To hisfamily, we say thank you for sharing Dr. Hassenbusch with us, and may God bless you all.

 

Julie Ingwerson

I can’t believe I found you. I live in St. Joseph, MO. My mom was recently diagnosed with GBM. She had a total resection almost 3 weeks ago and started chemo/radiation this week. I was looking for information on what to expect and I typed in ‘a year in the life of a glioblastoma patient’ into Google. At the bottom of the first page was the Newsweek article on your dad. I pasted his name into Google and found your blog. I really don’t know why I went to such lengths (I think it was a God thing though). I went to the beginning (or end) and began reading his obituary. I couldn’t believe he was from St. Joe. It made me cry - and then him being from MD Anderson. My best friend was diagnosed and passed away March 2006 of adinocarcinoma of the lungs. She spent a week at MD Anderson. She was only 38. I wonder if your dad and her paths crossed there and in Heaven and if they are up there now trying to comfort us. This is just a huge coincidence. I’ve read some C.S. Lewis and in the back of one of his books a Dr. Harvard writes about the different ways people respond when they are in pain and dying. He said it is rare to get to see someone die selflessly, more worried about those being left behind. That was my friend Kelly. It was the most heartwrenching, horrible, beautiful event I have ever witnessed. I am sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like the best. I of course am still hoping my mom can beat this horrible disease. But I know if she doesn’t she is going to have some great people to hang with in Heaven. You posts are very comforting.

 

 

Sandra Wyatt

Dear Hassenbusch Family;
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Hassenbusch in May of 2007 during Brain Tumor Action Week in Washington, DC. We sat with him and his lovely wife during the reception. I smile now as I remember him “lecturing” me about eating right, exercising, and taking care of myself. I am a brain tumor survivor.

Dr. Hassenbusch made an impact on my life in the short moment in time that I had the chance to meet him. I look forward to his book, and my prayers are with the family. He was on man/Doctor who made a difference! Thank you for sharing him with us.

 

 

Margaret Justice

Dear Jason,
My name is Margaret Justice. I used to live two houses west of your father’s home in Saint Joseph. I knew your dad as “Hoppy” and must say after seeing your picture on this site that you are the spitting image of him. I have many, many memories of your dad and his family: Pam, your grandmother Suzanne and grandfather Sam. I remember the furniture store they used to own and the dogs they used to have. Margarita nipped my ankles on more than one occasion. I spent many a summer day swimming in their pool in the backyard. I knew Pam and her mom moved back east to be close to your father and was very upset to have read in the local paper that they had died in a car accident. Your father was the most brilliant person I ever met. I was surprised to see the intervew Katie Couric did with him. Had I not recognised the name I wouldn’t have recognised him. He certainly changed after he grew up. I always knew he would excel in anything he attempted and I believe he surpassed those expectations. He didn’t have an easy life growing up but certainly made the most of what was left of his short life. He was an exceptional man and you and your family have every right to be very proud of him and all he accomplished. I am proud to have known him! I would be very interested in buying a copy of the book when it is published. You have my deepest sympathy and condolences.

Sincerely,
Margaret Justice

 

 

Nadine Miller

I am so happy to hear about the publishing! Maybe some people will start to realize what a devestating form of cancer this can be. It’s a rollercoaster for everyone involved Thank you so much for pushing for publication!

 

 

Susan Mitchell

Rhonda, I won’t pretend to tell you that I know what you are feeling. This journey will be yours alone with the support of friends, loved ones , stangers like me, and God. Dr. Hassenbush operated on my husband in Jan. ‘99 and confirmed the diagnosis of the same deadly cancer (glioblastoma) that your husband developed. My husband ,Rod Mitchell, died at MD Anderson in July ‘99. He was 58 yrs old.

We knew early on that Dr. H. was a special person. When we were left over the Christmas holidays of ‘98 to decide what course to pursue armed with the infornation provided to us by MD Anderson we were totally confused, scared and feeling lost. That was until our home phone rang and your husband was on the other end. He said he could not get us out of his mind,and therefore could not enjoy his own holiday and knew we needed help. He told us that we had been given a grave decision to make and that considereing the nature of my husband’s line of work (he was an airline pilot for 28 years) we weren’t qualified to make the choice of treartment, but that he was. He said “MY NAME IS SAMUEL HASSENBUSH. I AM JEWISH BY DECENT BUT CHRISTIAN BY CHOICE. ” He also said that we needed to know that he was on staff at MDA and that meant he got paid the same thing no matter what course of treatment we choose. He laughed and said however that if a year or two went by and he did not do any surgery he would probably have to justify that! He made a very hard Christmas holiday easier for us by telling us what he knew to be our only real option, the open biopsy. He was always kind, forthright and understanding. We knew then we were blessed to be in his care.

Again, I will not tell you how or what you should or will feel. That must be on your terms, but know I am here in the background praying for you and your family with some insight into the feelings this loss brings .

With warm regards,

Suan Mitchell

 

 

Michael J. Cousins

I first met Sam when we were both doing work on the pharmacokinetics of spinally administered drugs. I believe Sam was the only Neurosurgeon in the world with a strong interest in this area. We appeared on numerous panels at international meetings and this was the beginning of a friendship that spanned from the late 1970’s to the present time. We have kept in close touch over the years and have stimulated each others research and clinical program, greatly to my benefit. I have also enjoyed very much participating with Sam in the early Analgesic Concensus group. He has been a valued colleague and a very good friend. Like many others it is hard for me to accept that he is no longer with us. My condolences to Sam’s family.
Kind regards
Michael J. Cousins
Sydney, Australia

 

 

Dr. Jerry R. Aschermann

23 March 2008. The St. Joseph newspaper carried a tribute to Samuel J. Hassenbusch III. A remarkable career! Should his career be a surprise to those who knew or did not know him?

Comments others have left indicate that he was an outstanding person Beyond native intelligence, his success was prompted by self-motivation and the values he learned when growing up in St. Joseph and becoming an Eagle Scout…. at an early age he learned to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverend.

 

 

Jenny

Dear Hassenbusch family,

I am a student who has had the pleasure of watching the neurosurgery team do what they do best at MDACC. I never got to meet Dr. Hassenbusch, but I know that he was a great doctor and an incredible inspiration to everyone. I used to watch every episode of Houston Medical when it came on, and I was absolutely fascinated at how talented Dr. Hassenbusch was and how personable and kind he was as well. I truly aspire to be someone just like him. I am so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

 

 

Rosine Chappell

Dr. Hassenbusch was the recipient of Cancer Fighters of Houston’s Eagle Award last year at our luncheon at the Junior League. So it is with deep sorrow that we will be honored to memorialize him at this year’s event on April 29th at Lakeside Country Club.
We would also like to be a presence at the Memorial Service on Thursday, April 3d. at MDAnderson.
Our sincerest condolences,
Rosine Chappell Officer and board member of Cancer Fighters of Houston.
M. D. Anderson Patient

 

 

Anne Hassenbusch Falvey

Dear Rhonda and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. It’s been many years since we have seen each other, but he had a tremendous impact on my family’s life.

Several years ago my dad, Sol, was suffering from a horrible and painful neurological disease, trigeminal neuralgia. My husband and I were trying to get him treatment here in Scottsdale, Az., to no avail. We were educating ourselves on Google about the disease, and I confessed to my husband, Lawrence, that I was not familiar with Google. He typed in Hassenbusch, and up came several articles about the renowned Dr. Samuel Hassenbusch. We then googled Hassenbusch/trigeminal neuralgia, and found that Sam was performing a new and revolutionary treatment for the disease. To make a long story short, a few days later, mom and dad went to M D Anderson where dad received the treatment from Sam. It gave him immediate relief. We are all so grateful to Sam.

Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Fondly,

Anne Hassenbusch Falvey

 

 

Assic Semien

My fine memories of Dr. Hassenbusch

The years that I worked in the Neuro department with Dr. Hassenbusch were pleasant just as he was. I know to me and you he will be well missed. I will continue to spread the pleasant atmosphere he has left behind here in the Brain and Spine center. Sharing a beautiful smile and to meet and greet you by your name and not just a number or just another employee. I know it made me feel welcome when he spoke to me, wearing his nice cowboy boots and riding his cool motor bike. I look forward to hearing the great accomplishments from the beautiful children and grandkids he has left to carry on his legacy. Rhonda and family stay strong.

 

 

Pat & Mike Vecellio

Jason, we know the entire Gulf Coast Healey Club sends our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. We know however you expect something like this, the loss still leaves a ‘hole’ in your life. We wish you and your whole family all the best.

 

Scott F. Drees

I would like to extend my personal condolences to Rhonda and the entire Hassenbusch family.

Sam was “a passionate participant in life,” who effected everyone he came in contact with. He was loved by many and admired by all he came in contact with. His medical and scientific achievements were only surpassed by the people he positively touched in his day to day existence.

Sam was my friend and I will miss him; yet I am confident, that his spirit and energy will be carried forward through everyone who knew and loved him.

 

 

Eddy Fraifeld

Sam has been a mentor and friend of mine for about 12 years.
I have no doubt that he was a guiding light to many present and no doubt future leaders in pain medicine.
His loss is a void that will not soon be filled and his courage, spirit and humor will long be remembered.
I can still remember getting e-mail from Sam, even from the recovery room after one of his first surgeries. I have no doubt even now, Sam is sitting in heaven at a computer sending e-mails on how to impreve things.

At the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) his loss is deeply felt.
To those who are interested we have a page in memory of Sam at:
http://www.painmed.org/member/aapm_remembers.html

Eddy Fraifeld
Secretary American Academy of Pain Medicine

 

 

Jim Anderson

Dear Rhonda, Jack, Jason and Amanda,
It is with deep sorrow that I received word of Sam’s passing. Sam spent countless hours working in my lab while he was completing his residency and PhD degree at Johns Hopkins. Sam was one of the most talented, dedicated and hard working individuals I have encountered during my career. His enthusiasm, work ethic and positive attitude were an inspiration to all who were fortunate in having him as a colleague, friend and physician. Sam’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable. His passion for his work was unmatched. Most important, his love for and pride in his family was so obvious and is an inspiration to all who knew him. The world is a much better place because of Sam and I am so proud to have had the opportunity to know and work with him. I extend my sincerest sympathy to the Hassenbusch family. I hope your loss is eased by the understanding that you have gained so much by having him as a husband or father.

 

Jim Moody, M.D.

Dear Hassenbusch Family,

I am saddened by the loss of Sam. I knew Sam for less than two years yet his impact in my life will last forever. He was quiet and non-assuming yet stood so tall in his profession as an academician and surgeon. He was so approachable, kind and instructive. He exuded family values.
My work with him was mainly through TANS . He mentored me . Rhonda was always there with him and was so attentive, so protective but gave him space to do an incredible job.
I appreciated talking to Jason and Amanda last week. What great kids. I could tell over the phone that they had incredible respect and gratitude for their father. I am sorry I missed Jack.
My wife, Patty, and I always looked for Sam and Rhonda at TANS functions. We admired the loving relationship they expressed.They were inspiring to the world around as they both handled with honor this difficult illness over thes past years.
With admiration and kindest regards,

Jim Moody

 

 

Amy Gordon

To the Hassenbusch Family:
Few people accomplish as much as Dr. Hassenbusch did in a lifetime. Even fewer have as much courage and passion as he did. Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate his life with you on March 1st.
~Amy Gordon

 

 

Stephen Alexander

I didn’t know Dr. Sam, but everything I’ve read makes me wish I had. I extend my condolences to his family.

 

Ed Covington

I worked with Sam on some research projects when he was at Cleveland Clinic, and subsequently shared organizational work in the pain field.

I’ve never met another person with such a combination of intellectual brilliance and unselfish kindness. I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with Sam, and I think the world is diminished by his passing.

I hope the family is consoled in your loss by knowledge of how blessed you are to have had Sam.

 

The Donahoe Family

Dear Rhonda, Amanda, Jason, and Jack,

We did not hear about Sam until last night. We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. You have always been a uniquely giving family and each of you as individuals always goes above and beyond for anyone. We were recipients of your love, care, and concern during a difficult time for our family. I know many others feel this same gratitude and appreciation. We hope you can sense the love and support
that so many are sending to you now in your time of need. May the words of those whose lives you have touched, help to see you through this difficult time.

Love,
John, Suzie, Donny, and Belle

 

Leslie Kian

Jason , Rhonda, and Family,                          

I had a very simple introduction at a fund raising rally when he shook my hand and said, “Hi, I’m Sam.” Through our conversation that morning, I knew he loved riding his Victory and that we shared something special that riders understand and experience every time we twist the throttle. It was also apparent that we also shared a common bond through M. D. Anderson that was also an important part of our lives. It wasn’t until later that I learned how much Sam has contributed to the practice of oncology and the community at large. Knowing him makes it easy to understand why he had such an impact on so many lives.

Giving him the “V” sign in the hallways was met with an eye of recognition and his smile. For me, his smile reminds me that vision can be directly connected to reality. I am honored to have known him and thankful for the memories I have of him.

Peace be with you,
Leslie

 

Dayna Willard

Dear Rhonda and family,

I am so sorry about Sam. The two of you took such wonderful care of Patrick and I will never forget your kindness. Sam was a very special man whose spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of all the people who knew him. You have a wonderful family! I will not be able to attend the open house on Saturday, but I will try and come to the memorial at M. D. Anderson. I will make a contribution in Sam and Patrick’s name. You and your family are always welcome to come and visit us in Sausalito.

Love,

Dayna

 

 

K. Dean Willis, MD

Dear Rhonda and family,
I am so disappointed that I cannot get to Houston this Saturday. Please know that I am there in spirit and will watch closely for the opportunity to come when MD Anderson has his memorial. With God’s blessing I will be there for that time.
Keeping the Faith,
Dean Willis

 

Abbie Smith

My deepest sympathy to the family. My husband passed away of the very same tumor, glioblastoma, in June of 2006. Dr. Hass corresponded with me and made me understand nothing could have been done for my Bill. Let God hold him in his arms forever.

 

Linda Lancaster

Dr. H and I exchanged several emails. I encouraged him and he encouraged me as a caregiver to my husband with a gbm. Dr. H was a real hero.

 

Vivienne Socha

Dear Amanda and family,

My heart and prayers are with you! I did not “know” your father personally, however he touched my life nonetheless. I am so very sorry for your loss. May the peace of Christ be with you and your family.

Love,
Vivienne

 

Mark Bertrand

I met Dr. Sam at church, and of course we had two important things in common. He loved Jesus, and riding his motorcycle. As a true doctor, he always asked about my condition. We had many a good conversation before I became aware of his profession. Dr. Sam and I would bounce jokes off each other, and bless his heart, he would always laugh at my lame attempt at humor. Dr. Sam will be missed by all he touched. To Rhonda and the family, Patty and I send our sincere prayers for your tremendous loss. Dr. Sam accomplished so much, in such a short period of time. I know where Dr. Sam is, and he is dancing and rejoicing before God. When my time comes, I hope I have the strength and dignity of Dr. Sam. Sam, see you soon.

 

Morgan Piper

To the Hassenbusch family,

I am extremely sorry for the loss of your husband and dad. I never got to know him, but I know he will be deeply missed. May God’s peace and comfort be with you all during this difficult time. You are in my prayers.

Blessings,
Morgan Piper

 

 

Angela Norman

I want to send my deepest condolences and my prayers. My father, Eugene Gordon, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma one year ago. He just underwent his second surgery in January. This past Wed 2/20/08, I went to Kansas to see him. I thank God I had a two good days with him. He is in the hospital and we are not sure how much longer we have. In the interview I saw on CBS, Dr. Hassenbusch seemed to have such good spirits and seemed to be a fighter. I praise him for that as well as your family for all you have been through. Just know he is in heaven watching over you all. God Bless
Angela

 

Megan Edwards

Dear Hassenbusch family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you now. You all have been so wonderful to me since I moved to Houston. Your warmth and openness did wonders for the new girl in town, and I will always remember it.
I know that it may not be a comfort right now, but just know that the world is a better place thanks to Dr. H’s work, and he will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.
You all are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Megan

 

Krystle

To you all:

I have thought about you all many times over the years. I am so very sorry for your loss. If you need anything, please let me know. You will all be in my prayers.

Love,
Krystle

 

Abiodun Olaoye

Sister Rhonda & Family,
It was a great pleasure knowing Dr. Sam through the Life Foursquare Church at Tidwell. He was such a blessing, encouragement and strong believer in the Bible. His love for God’s word, prayer and brethren generally will remain in my memory.
Losing him is painful, but we are convinced that the Lord who knows better has called him home and the hope of resurrection is our anchor, hence our joy.
The good Lord will strengthen you and see you through this period.

Biodun & Bimbo Olaoye

 

Ann Edmunds, RN

Dear Rhonda and family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy in your loss. I was so fortunate in being able to know such a precious soul as Dr. Hassenbusch. I shall never forget his smile, his laughter, his exceptional love for his family and his respect and support of his colleagues and friends. Your entire family has been an inspiration to me. Prayerfully, Ann.

 

George Clancy

We had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Hassenbusch last year, as his daughter Amanda was teaching ELA and Lit at our school. We were very excited to be able to obtain the services of a great new teacher who came with very caring and interested/interesting parents.

Amanda would receive CARE PACKAGES every other week it seemed!

During the academic year, we learned of the recent journey and the brave efforts and research being completed by Dr. H. In addition, the NewsWeek story about him, his efforts and his motorcycle…excited our student body and our faculty. WHAT A STORY!

The loss of a dad… a husband… an inspiration… is never easy.

Having the pleasure to learn about this great and brave man and then to meet him… stands high in my most important memories. And the inspiration that this gentleman generated… is a light that will burn brightly - for many… forever. Our school’s thoughts and prayers are with each of you this day.

George Clancy and the faculty and students at St. James Middle School in Johnson City, NY

 

Jennifer Davis

I am so very sorry for you loss. Dr. Sam was such a wonderful soul. Thank you Rhonda and family for keeping in touch with me during Sam’s illness. Not only was Dr. Sam courageous, but all of you were and are, as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you always - Jennifer Davis, Baltimore, MD

 

Patrick R. McGowan

Dear Rhonda and family.
Our deepest condolences. Sam will be genuinely missed by all who had the honour to know him. He was a genuine and nice person. Be assured that the thoughts of all his friends around the world are with you at the moment.

Patrick McGowan, London, UK

 

Jo Anne Pierson

Dear Rhonda and family
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of my good friend. It was a pleasure working with him. I always admired his strength and his faith in God and family. I admired how he took on his fight with cancer. A great man has been sent to Heaven to be with the saints. He may be gone physically, but he will remain with us spiritually.

Love Jo Anne Pierson

 

Martha Lane-Szescila

To the Hassenbusch family,
I am so sad to hear about Dr. Sam’s passing. I know how much it hurts to lose someone so dear to all of us. I lost my husband, Chuck, in September 2002 at age 53 from a glioblastoma also. I take comfort knowing that he has been joined in heaven with such a caring doctor. He helped us tremendously when we were suffering. Thank you for sharing Dr. Sam with all of us.
Bless you all,
Martha Lane-Szescila

 

Jim Edgemon, MD. ENT/Orlando

I met Sam only once for a 10 minute conversation at the graveside of a mutual friend. He exposed his Big “Heart” to me a Stranger who he made feel like a close friend. I will not forget his thoughts which gave strength to a brother in Christ. “I’ll see-ya in Paradise” Sam

 

Abdul R Syed

Dear Dr. Hassenbusch’s Family, it’s definitely a great loss to humanity. I used to work at Neurosurgery Research, and over the years have worked in Research in different medical specialties. But I have the highest respect for Neurosurgeons oncologist, as the amount of hard work, dedication and knowledge they invest in their work is unbelievable, especially where you are fighting an infinite battle against Brain and spinal tumors. From what I heard from his staff and read about him, he sounded an awesome cool guy, mixing his hobby of Biking and Neurosurgery. All my prayers are with his family, may his soul rest in peace in heaven, amen. Best regards. Abdul.

 

Marti Muniz

Dear Hassenbusch Family,
I just wanted to send you my deepest sympathies. Dr. Hassenbusch came to a ACS meeting last year and touched my heart I also had surgery to remove a glioma and I am going into my 15th month of treatment. I have been morning the lose of such a great spirit since I saw the news. My church and I will lift you all up in prayer but fear not he is were we all long to be with our father Jesus Christ!

 

Paige and Michael Frenzel

That is a great article. It does so much to highlight the great works of a great man. Thank you for alerting me to it.

Love and prayers,
Paige and Michael Frenzel

 

Charles A. Gauci MD

My sincere condolences to Sam’s family on this tragic event. Sam was a great guy, a brilliant doctor and an excellent colleague. Goodbye old friend. RIP.

 

Mike DeScioli

Dear Rhonda and Family:

I was deeply saddened to hear about Sam and offer my sincere condolences. He was a great man and an inspiration to my wife Kelly, who is currently fighting the same battle that took Sam. Rhonda, I also want to thank you for being a shining example to me on how to be a courageous spouse. I only hope that I can be half as courageous as you were throughout Sam’s fight.

 

Megan Miers

Mrs. Hassenbusch and family,

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Hassenbusch’s passing. My mom passed away in November after a nearly 18-month battle against GBM. After her diagnosis, I was always looking for any positive news I could find to give us hope. Dr. Hassenbusch’s story was one that came up many times and I just want you to know that I am grateful to him for making that decision to become a “6-foot lab rat.” Hopefully his efforts will lead to a cure or way of preventing this monster from taking any more innocent lives.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of Dr. Hassenbusch’s family.

With kindest regards,

Megan Miers

Amy Rojas

Dear Mrs. Hassenbusch:
I am so sorry for your loss….. it’s a terrible loss for us all in the OR too. He was such a wonderful, talented surgeon. Truly a pleasure to work with and to know. I pray for strength and unity for your family in these difficult
times. May you be strong and continue to keep his dreams alive as he would of wished. He gave so much of himself to all of us and his patients through constant dedication an commitment. He will be missed so very much. May you feel surrounded by love and support now and always.

With Deepest Condolences,
Amy.

 

Johanna Roth and Family

Dear Amanda and Family,

We are very sorry to hear about Dr. Hassenbusch’s passing. His courage in fighting his cancer to the end was an inspiration to all of us.

Johanna Roth and Family

 

Marguerite Ward

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was diagnosed about the same time my Brandi was ending her journey with brain cancer. You gave hope and were an inspiration to so many who are still fighting the fight against that horrible monster called glioblastoma. I wish you could have won that battle but it wasn’t meant to be. I pray one day, however, that a cure can be found and precious lives like Dr. Sam, Dr. Marnie and my beloved Brandi can be saved.

May God’s love surround your family and bring you comfort. Sam’s spirit will live on forever in the hearts that loved him.

In Christ Love, Marguerite Ward
Proud Mom to Jamie and Angel Brandi

 

Sister Anne Horrigan

Dear Amanda, Mrs. H, and Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family members. My brief encounter with Dr.H. in our school hallway made a deep impression on me.

Sister Anne
Saint James

 

Debra Jones

Dear Sister Rhonda and Family:
It was truly a pleasure to have known Dr. Sam. My prayers are with you and your family, praying God will continue to strengthen you at this time. Hold on to His unchanging hand.
Love you sister in Christ
Sister Debra & clinton Jones

Joseph Cheng, MD

I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for helping Sam make such significant contributions to our field of Neurosurgery. We owe him a lot and he will be missed, but always in our thoughts and prayers.

 

 

Skeet & Diana Garrett

Dear Rhonda & Family,

Although we knew Dr. Sam only through our small church setting, we have heard countless stories of his brillance in mind and in character. We simply knew him as a joy in Sunday School Class and a “giver” in many directions and combinations. God truly gifted him, and he in turn gifted us. We truly appreciated and admired his witness for Jesus. He probably transformed more souls than human bodies! Through the past several months all of you have remained on our hearts, and our hearts now hurt with yours. We are thankful for his life and his contributions into our lives. Our prayers continue for you…

 

Dale and Heidi Weiss Family

Dear Hassenbusch Family: I was so sadden to hear of your tragic loss. Dr. Hassenbusch was certainly a point of light that our organization, his family and many friends will miss.

Dr. Hassenbusch passing strikes very near to home as my wife (Heidi) has battled GBM for nearly 6 years. With each passing day, I continue to hope that warriors and people of faith such as Dr. Hassenbusch will eventually win the war with this dreaded disease. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. We have to believe that Sam will continue to watch over you and us from greater heights and influence. My God guide you mercifully through this difficult time.

 

Garrett Walsh

Dear Rhonda and Family:
Sam has touched and inspired so many people in his life. M. D. Anderson and the medical community has lost a great surgeon and an absolute gem of a person. I will never forget his smile and “joie de vivre”. I have been so blessed to have had the opportunity to have Sam as a friend and a colleague. These fond memories, I will cherish.

Garrett

 

Michael Schulder, MD

I got to know Sam Hassenbusch from our work in the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, including being on the Executive Council together. He was smart, fun, down-to-earth, and just a pleasure to be around. Like many other colleagues in organized neurosurgery I didn’t want to intrude and discuss him medical condition in the last few years, but always took heart in seeing him active at our meetings.

We will miss him. I hope that his family will take comfort in the love he gave to so many and the wonderful and full life that he led.

Michael Schulder, MD
President, American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery

 

Shaundra Hill

I feel so small but I want to thank you and Sam for being my angel while I was fighting cancer. When you have an a angel such as you and Sam you have no choice but to be someone elses angel. Thank you! Please if there is anything I can do for you or your family let me know I am here to help you and your family as much as I can. My prayers have always been and will always be with you and your family.

Shaundra

 

Colleen Barfield

I have never met Dr. Sam, but the news of his passing left me with tears in my eyes. Countless stories of his strength, kindness and endless love for others is how he also touches those who were not fortunate enough to know him. Even I will miss the man I never met. Please know that he is with you now as much as he ever was…maybe more.

I am sorry for the loss you all feel. Let him continue to be an inspiration in your lives. God Bless all of you,

Colleen

 

Kristen Price, MD

On behalf of the entire Department of Critical Care at MD Anderson, I extend our heartfelt sympathy to all of you for the loss of our esteemed colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With respect and admiration,
Kristen

 

Ricky R. Behrend

Dear Rhonda and Family, I will forever miss seeing you and Sam walking your dog down Southwestern. He always had a smile even in sickness. My condolences to you and your family. God Bless.

 

Dayna Willard

Dear Rhonda and family. I was so sorry to hear the news about Sam. I will never forget what you and Sam did to help my brother. You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Jose & Joyce Pascua

Dear Rhonda and family:

Please accept our love, condolence and prayers for the loss of a very dear friend in Dr. Sam. He touched our lives in the most gracious way. Dr. Sam’s radiant life was a shinning example to a whole world - how he loved, cared and served others and his generous heart keeps on giving.

Not long after we came home from our mission trip to Nepal last September, 2007, after Church service Dr. Sam spoke to Joyce briefly and these were his words of encouragement, “…the work that you are doing for the Lord is the most important job in the world.” Words we will always remember and treasure.

Your partners and friends in The Joshua Generation International Network join their hearts with you and your family at this time of great loss of one who loved God with all his heart which overflowed to countless others who received his selfless service and care.

Love in Christ,

Jose & Joyce

 

Greg Everts

9-10 years ago my wife, jennifer was given a job at M. D. Anderson. She went in took all the test and was assigned to a department. It just happened to be this one. Somehow, they pulled it off and a wonderful friendship rose out of the dust. Its not like there wasn’t good days and bad days, but as time went on the bad days became less and less. Well you know, everyone has a list, when there is a special occasion, of people you need to call just because you should, but Dr.H and Rhonda they moved beyond that, to people you need to see for the reason or the season. DUDE! They would even baby sit! But seriously, Rhonda, Jack, Jason, Amanda, Peanut, and Stetson we are here if you need us. We will always miss DR. H but any man who could put up with a car in his study and a Messerschmitt in his garage has got to be doing just fine now!

 

Elizabeth (Hess) Jaeger

Rhonda, Jack, Jason and Amanda

You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. I was sad to hear the news about Sam today but know that he is in a better place. He was such a good man and always so helpful with anything that was needed from him. We will be thinking of you all for a very long time. May God bless you all.

 

Robert Krams

To The Family of Dr Sam Hassenbusch
I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. I had the honor of meeting Sam at MD Anderson after he saved the life of my lifelong best friend, John Weller. I am eternally grateful that he was able to use his knowledge, his skills and his compassion to do so much good. The world is a bit sadder today.
Robert Krams

 

Betsy Colonna

Amanda and family, I was so sorry to hear Katie Curic’s announcement tonight about your dad. Be assured of my prayers. He will be missed. Betsy

 

Margaret Lincoln

Dear Family,

It was an honor to know Sam. He has always responded with dignity, grace and generosity. His courageous altruism even as he battled cancer has left such a legacy. No words can meet the measure of honoring such a life.

Much love,

Margaret Lincoln

 

Paige Frenzel

Living with Amanda for the better part of three years, Dr. and Mrs. Hassenbusch were like surrogate parents to me and my roommates. My heart breaks for you all and I am praying for you all. Please accept my prayers and kind thoughts. When arrangements are made, please let me know.

Love to you all,
Paige

 

Marshall Bedder MD

My heart goes out to Rhonda and the family over Sam’s passing. I have been privileged to have known and worked with Sam in NANS and in the pain world where he was so respected and loved as a gentle man who had the utmost respect of his colleagues. Helen and I send our prayers and love.

Marshall Bedder MD

 

Kat Cline

My deepest sympathy and love goes out to Dr. Hassenbusch’s family.
May you be comforted with peace and love.

My condolences,

Kat Cline
Harleys Angels

 

Wendy Williams

Dear Hassenbusch Family,
Although I did not personally know Dr. Hassenbusch, I do work in the Dept. of Neurosurgery and Dr. Hassenbusch was not one you had to know personally, for his works spoke for him, who he was and what he truly believed. Take comfort in knowing that he did what anyone who truly loved the Lord would do, work out his soul salvation helping, serving and giving back to people with his life. This is the example he left for all of us to follow. Stay encouraged and know that my prayers are with all of you during this time. Take comfort in knowing that God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Be Blessed…
Wendy Williams

 

Jan Swope (Harley’s Angels)

To Dr. Sam’s Family:

On behalf of the Harley’s Angels organization may I extend our deepest sympathy, prayers and thougths to Dr. Sam’s entire family. He was truly a great friend to the Harley’s Angels. He and his family took great joy in helping others always. We will always cherish our memories of him and his family as they supported our group and were so very kind, considerate and thoughful in their donations to us several years for co-sponsoring a page in our calendar and in the gift of our ride flag!!
I proudly rode with our flag yesterday on a ride, thinking of him and how much pleasure it gave him to give it to us. Rhonda, Jason and family please know that you are in our hearts with loving thoughts and prayers always.

Harley’s Angels

 

John C. Helweg

I am very sorry for your loss. I’d met Dr. Hassenbusch on several occasions at the Ride for the Rose and here at M. D. Anderson. His story was very inspirational. We should all strive to be the kind of man he was. I was very impressed with how down to earth he was and his willingness to visit with anyone that approached him. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.