CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — While every non-profit organization relies on great volunteers, some stand out.
For Triumph Over Kid Cancer that's Sam L. Susser.
His name should sound familiar.
His company, Susser Holdings, owned Stripes.
But Sam L. Susser is far more than an incredibly successful businessman, he's a philanthropist.
As he tells us, Triumph Over Kid Cancer is a non-profit that's dear to his heart.
"We have been proud supporters of TOKC since its founding and honored to participate with the Ragans in the mission of this great organization," Susser said.
In fact, TOKC founders James and Meklin Ragan grew up down the street from the Susser family.
Being close friends with their kids, the Ragans were more than neighbors. They were like family.
When James was diagnosed with cancer at 13 years old and started TOKC, the Sussers were all in.
"James brought us in. He made my family, like everyone in his life, feel like his best friend,” Susser said. “Truly, we all felt that connection to him and what he stood for.
“I hope we can measure up a little bit in and the impact he had on this short time on earth.".
In his short time, James was a championship tennis player. Cancer stopped him from playing, so James picked up golf.
Susser, an avid golfer, says they actually became friendly competitors.
“I never spotted him anything and no matter how tough the day was, no matter how hard the burden of cancer, I always did everything I could to try to beat that little kid,” Susser said with a smile. “He was a great champion and a great fighter."
His selflessness and perpetual efforts are evident through his extensive involvement in TOKC as Susser continues James' mission to end cancer.
"We want to continue to fight against cancer until cancer is no more,” he said.
For more information on TOKC, click on this link:
