Daughter In Heaven Leaves Musical Memory For Mom - Staff Picks

Parents Nikki and Dan McCarthy lost her daughter, Sam, to a rare blood disorder almost 8 years ago. During her battle, Sam spent many years in the hospital but music was the one thing that kept her going. The sweet sounds of music helped Sam to escape her physical pain so much so that every week, a music therapist named Brian would come to the hospital play for Sam.

One year, for Mother's Day, Sam decided to give her mom an amazing gift and she and Brian recorded themselves singing a song by Nikki's favorite artist Mat Kearney. Even though she's gone, Sam's parents still have this beautiful memory of Sam's voice to cherish forever. That special song inspired Nikki to create a non-profit called Sam's Fans.

The organization helps raise money for music and art therapy for children battling illnesses. As of today, the whole family has raised over $150,000 for Ohio hospitals and when they heard about her good deeds, The Today Show had a special surprise for Nikki.

They surprised her with meeting Mat Kearney, the artist whose songs got her through the toughest time of her life. Nikki knows that one day she'll see Sam again in Heaven and until then, she's determined to help and serve in anyway she can.

God bless the McCarthy family for their incredible faith and selfless compassion.