Samuel Jack Hassenbusch (February 6, 1954 – 2008) was born in St. Joseph. He attended Central High School, then went on to John Hopkins University to earn his bachelor’s degree in Human Biology, Medical Doctorate (M.D.) with specialization in Neurosurgery, and Ph.D. in Pharmacology. He was affectionately known to his close friends and family as “Sam” or “Hoppy.”

After completing his education and residency, he was a practicing Neurosurgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and then moved to Houston in 1993 to join the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. As a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery and Medical Director of the Faculty Practice Plan, he earned an international reputation in the treatment of chronic pain, both cancerous and non cancerous. With his colleagues, Sam is credited with developing novel techniques, therapies and methods for infusing drugs to block pain. His research interest in pain treatment complemented an interest in computer guided stereotactic techniques for brain tumor biopsies, focused radiation therapy, and direct injection of chemotherapy agents into brain tumors.

Always an advocate for clinical research, Sam served as principal investigator on numerous clinical trials and authored more than 80 publications and 30 book chapters. He held offices in a number of national neurosurgical and pain organizations and served on numerous administrative committees. Sam served as the president of the Texas Pain Society 2002-2004 and the Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons 2006-2007.

In May of 2005 Sam was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) Brain Cancer and had surgery to remove the tumor. Given his practice he wanted to be a “ six foot lab rat” and try out new medical combinations to help reduce, if not eliminate the tumor in his brain. As a patient he participated in clinical trials, met with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. to emphasize the need for continued cancer research and testified before the state committees about the importance of clinical trials.

A motorcycle enthusiast, Sam always rode his bike to and from work, often going 30 miles out of his way – despite living three miles from the hospital. A founding member of MD Anderson’s employee motorcycle group, Riders for the Cure, Hassenbusch and his colleagues rode in numerous cancer fundraisers. At the Ridin’ for the Rose, Sam served as its grand marshal for two years.

Samuel Hassenbusch devoted his life to his practice of medicine and ultimately succumbed to the very disease he spent his life researching and treating. He was a man who changed many lives, as a physician, a cancer patient and as a wonderful human being.