Sam Medinger's health problems began in 2008, and he was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 2009 while the family was living in Ashley.

Aplastic anemia is a rare disease affecting the bone marrow in which the body stops producing new blood cells. 

A  bone marrow transplant was the treatment plan.  Sam’s doctors at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital said there were nine possible matches on the donor list. 

Although not in the gym wearing his sneakers and Kenmare Honkers basketball uniform number 50, basketball played a big part of his new “birth”day when NBA star Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves made a surprise visit to Sam’s room during his marrow transplant.