In the new documentary Road Diary:
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen’s wife and a key member of the E Street Band opened up about her personal struggle with multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer she was diagnosed with in 2018.
The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. In it, the musician revealed that her condition has affected her ability to tour and perform.
Scialfa joined the E Street Band in 1984 but she’s also a solo artist with multiple albums released.
Still, she raised Sam to appreciate life’s blessings. “We may not have much, but always be grateful for the little we do have,” she often reminded him.
At school, Sam endured relentless bullying.
Classmates mocked him with cruel nicknames like “bum” and “broke boy,” and one bully, Jared, went so far as to sneer, “People like you will always live in trailers.” But Susan’s lessons instilled a toughness in Sam.
He didn’t let the insults define him and instead dreamed of one day buying a mansion for himself and his mom.
One stormy day, their landlord, Tobey—a real estate agent whose posters were plastered all over town—came by to collect rent.
As the storm intensified, Tobey’s car wouldn’t start. “Don’t worry, sir.
Let me take a look,” Sam offered. With his mechanical skills honed from weekend work at a local garage, Sam quickly fixed the car, earning Tobey’s admiration.
“Thanks, kid. I’ve never seen someone fix an engine in the rain before,” Tobey remarked, impressed. He later offered Sam a side job washing his car every two weeks.
