For Samantha (Sam) O’Neill of Ajax, Ont., operating wasn’t only a interest; it represented vitality and a approach for her to hook up with her group.
On Sunday, 1000’s of runners will lace up for the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Half-Marathon, and amongst them shall be Sam’s father, Jim O’Neill, who will run the half-marathon accompanied by his daughter, Sydney, and a gaggle of 60 household and associates in Sam’s reminiscence.
Sam died in April at age 34 after a year-long battle with cervical most cancers. Her father’s initiative, the Keep Gold, Sam marketing campaign, goals to assist others keep away from experiencing the identical destiny that she confronted. “I may not have been in a position to save my daughter, however I’m decided to save lots of the lives of others like her by encouraging individuals to get examined,” says Jim. The Keep Gold Sam marketing campaign has to this point raised greater than $15,000 for the Canadian Most cancers Society, supporting cervical most cancers consciousness.
Sam’s operating story started in 2009 as an off-the-cuff half-marathon competitors between her and her dad, which shortly remodeled right into a life-changing journey, involving Sam finishing 11 marathons and coaching to qualify for the Boston Marathon earlier than she was identified with terminal most cancers. Her journey was crammed with dedication and tenacity, as Jim and Sam participated in quite a few marathons collectively. Toronto held a particular place in Sam’s coronary heart, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon was the place her marathon journey started. It was the primary marathon she and Jim ran collectively, and in 2021, she labored the occasion for Canada Operating Sequence, including to its significance in her life.
“Operating was her ardour and her lifestyle,” says Jim. “She was at all times coaching or in search of her subsequent race, and he or she had the chance to take part in a spread throughout the nation.” When Sam packed up her life in Ontario and moved to Vancouver, she didn’t know many individuals, however instantly discovered her place throughout the East Van Run Crew (EVRC), a gaggle that mixed her love for operating, socializing and the occasional beer.
Sam cherished the sense of group and belonging that the game gave her, and this connection deepened when she started working with Canada Operating Sequence (CRS). “She was unbelievable,” says Charlotte Brookes, nationwide occasion director. “I keep in mind interviewing her for the communications position, and he or she immediately blew me away. The connection she had with us was deep. Her dad stated she felt this was her dream job.”
The response from the operating group to the efforts of the O’Neill household to honour Sam on the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has been nothing in need of outstanding. “The operating group is understood for its unwavering assist, and Sam’s story exemplifies the best way operating opens doorways to significant and lasting connections,” says Jim. “Seven individuals have flown in from Vancouver to run the half-marathon with the East Van Run Crew.”
EVRC additionally hosted a celebration of life in Sam’s honour, demonstrating the profound impression Sam had on the operating group.
“All of us confronted unimaginable challenges and feelings throughout Sam’s journey with cervical most cancers,” says Jim. “Coping with a terminal sickness is a harrowing expertise for anybody, however witnessing my daughter’s willpower to not let the sickness outline her was really inspiring. Sam’s focus was on residing with most cancers moderately than succumbing to it.”
All donations to the Keep Gold Sam marketing campaign will immediately contribute to cervical most cancers analysis via the Canadian Most cancers Society.
