Simon Schulz took to Instagram to share a heartfelt farewell to his brother, Sam Schulz, who lost his battle with epidermolysis bullosa at just 22. The rare genetic skin disease caused blisters and internal organ damage, but Sam faced it with a spirit that inspired everyone around him.
Sam’s lifelong ambition was to set foot on the court of Michigan State University. Weeks before his passing, his mother asked him what would be on his bucket list, and he answered simply, “I want to go to East Lansing.” The request became a reality as he attended a basketball practice, a moment he cherished until the end.
Those who knew Sam described him as an outgoing, basketball‑obsessed young man whose admiration for the sport ran deep. He would often watch practices with a notebook full of notes, dreaming of the day he could step onto the hardwood himself.
A Brother's Final Bucket List
In the days leading up to his death, Sam’s health deteriorated, but his spirit remained undimmed. He spent his remaining time watching games, chatting with teammates, and reflecting on the moments that had defined his short life.
Pat Schulz, their father, posted a poignant tribute on social media, calling his son a courageous fighter who never stopped smiling. He wrote that Sam’s love for basketball was evident in every conversation and that his memory would live on in the family’s heart.
Simon’s Instagram message concluded with gratitude, thanking Sam for being a role model and for the indelible impact he had on his own life. He wrote, “Your courage, your love for the game, and your unwavering optimism will never be forgotten.”