Our brother and friend Sam

09/21/06

Today was truly a blessing. God is working on Sam Ashaolu. Today at about 6pm, my brother Steve and I were in our hotel when we got a call from one of Sam's coaches, he told us that Sam was up and his eyes were open. We quickly rushed over to the hospital and went to his side. The nurses informed us that he has been taken off life support. We then walked into his room. His eyes were open looking at us as if to say he was sorry. He grabbed my hand and shook my hand, with the look in his eyes saying he was happy I was there, he then grabbed Steve's hand and shook his hand and did the same thing. He asked, "where's Olu," his younger brother. The coach that called us informed us that when he first opened his eyes, he started to watch the television which airing a story about him. He starred at a picture of himself and then the t v station switched to me getting interviewed, when he saw me, he shook his head from left to right. The nurse also asked him the name of his brothers, and he said John, Steve and Olu. He tried to formulate words, and to some success, he did, even though he had been heavily sedated for days. He tried to ask for his mother. His basketball strength and conditioning coach also came by to say hello. At that time, my older brother Steve, started to joke with him, asking him how he got so muscular, he then used free arm and pointed at his strength and conditioning coach. He also asked where his shoes were. When we were about to leave, we told him that we would be back, he held my hand and shook it and did the same to Steve. Steve turned around and stuck two fingers in the air and Sam did the same back to him.

Thanks to everybody for the prayers and please keep praying for my brother. Visit his website, www.sam-ashaolu.com ,which should be up late tonight or early tomorrow, for more information on him and the Get Well Sam Fund.

John Ashaolu

BIOGRAPHY

Sam Ashaolu, also known as “Big Slim” was born December 25, 1982. As a kid, Sam was always a kid that liked to do things his way, at his own pace. Growing up, he was always a lanky, wiry kid. So much so, that his mother would often pick him up with one hand. This, along with his long, lanky frame earned him the nickname “Big Slim.” He is a very soft spoken and kind hearted individual. A comical kid who tried to make others laugh and also feel good about themselves. Always willing to put others before himself. A person who attracted friends everywhere he went. If he was your friend, he was your friend for life. Sam’s passion though was playing basketball. Growing up in the projects of Rexdale, basketball kept him from getting into trouble. He could be often spotted at three different gyms in one day, trying to perfect his craft, enjoying the company of his friends and just having a good time. Quiet off the court and not much of a talker on the court, he would always let his playing do the talking. Come game time, he was all business on the court. Sam always had a dream as a kid, and that dream was to secure a basketball scholarship to a Division 1 school and play professionally after graduating. This dream took him to many places, from Toronto to Florida to Virginia, to North Carolina, to Illinois to Texas to North Dakota and finally Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He never once gave up on his dream. He finally got his scholarship, to play basketball at Duquesne University. When he first came to visit the school and the city, he fell in love at first glance. He felt right at home. Three weeks into the school year, that dream was attempted to be taken away from him. But looking at our brother lay in the hospital bed critical condition. We know that God is going to help him fight this battle with all his might to return to the person he once was. With a little bit of everybody’s help, we can help make sure Sam makes it back to the great, caring, loving, and determined individual he was once again.

By Steve, John and Olu Ashaolu