Obituary of Alapati Ching Sam

Alapati "Pati" Ching Sam passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 9:00pm in Las Vegas, NV at the age of 13 years old. Pati was born on July 22, 2001 in Fountain Valley, CA. Alapati's most favorite things were his cartoon network and Disney channel shows, his video games & toys and most of all his family. Alapati was fighter. He'd never let his disability get in the way of getting what he wanted. And Pati always knew what he wanted and expressed it without hesitation. His disability was never an excuse not to enjoy the things he loved most and having the best sense of humor. Pati loved to laugh. Whenever there was something he thought was funny, he'd rewind it over and over and over just to watch it again so he could laugh until he cried. Love for life was definitely Pati's motto. Since 8 months old, Alapati had been battling a reoccurring brain tumor. On August 25th, 2014, we were told that this tumor had come back for the third time. The only difference between this time and the last two was there were no options. Surgery, radiation and chemo would ineffective. So we took our angel home. On September 5th, the doctors said he'd have about 3 months to live…with all of the love and prayers from friends and family, this little fighter of ours gave us 6 more wonderful and memorable months. Pati is survived by his father Vapeni Ching Sam, his Step-Mom Kuuipo Ochmann, his older sister Tausala Ching Sam, younger brother Moana Ching Sam, younger sister Tala Ching Sam, younger half-brother Ikelay Martin and many Uncles, Aunts and cousins. All are invited to attend services for Alapati on Saturday, March 14, 2015. Viewing will begin at 8:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (12742 Lampson Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840), with funeral services to follow at 9:00am. Pati will be reunited with his Grandma Tausala @ the Fairhaven Memorial (1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705) at 10:30am. Fa'afetai tele lava to all who've shared in Alapati's journey with us. Thank you for your prayers and thoughtful messages to our family. We would also like to thank his nurses who have spent days and nights taking care of Pati. Thank you also to Dr. Bernstein, Dr. Ikeda, Dr. Nakamura & Dr. Carroll who have seen him on his journey. And a final thank you to the staff at St. Rose Sienna who've always treated our Pati like a rockstar!! 2Corinthians 5:8 – NLT "Yes, we are fully confident & we would rather be away from these earthy bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord."