Honouring Sam: one family’s journey at the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

For Samantha (Sam) O’Neill of Ajax, Ont., running wasn’t just a hobby; it represented vitality and a way for her to connect to her community.

On Sunday, thousands of runners will lace up for the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K. Among them, you’ll find Sam’s father, Jim O’Neill, who will run the half-marathon, accompanied by his daughter, Sydney, his son, Ben and 23 others, all running in memory of Sam.

Sam died in April at age 34 after a year-long battle with cervical cancer. Her father’s initiative, the Stay Gold Sam campaign, aims to help others avoid experiencing the same fate that she faced. “I might not have been able to save my daughter, but I am determined to save the lives of others like her by encouraging people to get tested,” says Jim. The Stay Gold Sam campaign has so far raised more than $15,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society, supporting cervical cancer awareness.

Sam’s running story began in 2009 as a casual half-marathon competition between her and her dad, which quickly transformed into a life-changing journey, involving Sam completing 11 marathons and training to qualify for the Boston Marathon before she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her journey was filled with dedication and tenacity, as Jim and Sam participated in numerous marathons together. Toronto held a special place in Sam’s heart, and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon was where her marathon journey began. It was the first marathon she and Jim ran together, and in 2021, she worked the event for Canada Running Series, adding to its significance in her life.

“Running was her passion and her way of life,” says Jim. “She was always training or looking for her next race, and she had the opportunity to participate in a variety across the country.” When Sam packed up her life in Ontario and moved to Vancouver, she did not know many people, but immediately found her place within the East Van Run Crew (EVRC), a group that combined her love for running, socializing and the occasional beer.

Sam cherished the sense of community and belonging that the sport gave her, and this connection deepened when she began working with Canada Running Series (CRS). “She was incredible,” says Charlotte Brookes, national event director. “I remember interviewing her for the communications role, and she instantly blew me away. The connection she had with us was deep. Her dad said she felt this was her dream job.”

The response from the running community to the efforts of the O’Neill family to honour Sam at the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has been nothing short of remarkable. “The running community is known for its unwavering support, and Sam’s story exemplifies the way running opens doors to meaningful and lasting connections,” says Jim. “Seven of her East Van Run Crew friends have flown in from Vancouver to run the half-marathon, and overseas, seven of her extended family members will run the 10K at the Melbourne Running Festival [in Australia] on the same day.”

EVRC also hosted a celebration of life in Sam’s honour, demonstrating the profound impact Sam had on Vancouver’s running community.

“We all faced unimaginable challenges and emotions during Sam’s journey with cervical cancer,” says Jim. “Dealing with a terminal illness is a harrowing experience for anyone, but witnessing my daughter’s determination not to let the illness define her was truly inspiring. Sam’s focus was on living with cancer rather than succumbing to it.”

All donations to the Stay Gold Sam campaign will directly contribute to cervical cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society.