Retired O'Neill teacher publishes book on his journey to defeat cancer

Downers Grove SD58 News

Rich Samonte is well known around District 58. He is a retired O’Neill teacher and Herrick administrator, as well as a former Board of Education member. And now, he is also a published author. Samonte visited O’Neill this morning to donate a copy of his new book, “Is This Gonna Hurt?,” to the O’Neill library. “Is This Gonna Hurt?” describes Samonte’s journey fighting pancreatic cancer, undergoing a Whipple procedure, and, ultimately, defeating the cancer. In the book, he also reflects fondly on his experiences working in District 58.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Mr. Samonte!