Ontario resident running over 250km to raise awareness for wife's terminal illness

A man in the Ontario city of Stratford is taking on an extraordinary endurance challenge along one of Ontario's most scenic routes for a deeply personal reason.

"This is my wife's third bout of breast cancer," Samm Simon tells blogTO, "and unfortunately, this time it's terminal." He goes on to explain that his wife has already beaten the disease twice before, making her fight all the more powerful and personal to him.

His decision to take on the 251-kilometre run, known as Samm's Epic Run for Cancer, is driven by a desire to give back and support others facing similar battles.

"My wife and I sat down and tried to figure out how to make something very negative into something positive," he says. That's when the couple decided Simon would run for a cause.

"I'm not a runner by any means, but I will run from Stratford to Tobermory through the entire Bruce Peninsula, covering 251 kilometres," he expains.

The route itself is no small feat. Those familiar with the terrain know it shifts dramatically along the way, and unpredictable spring weather can likely add another layer of difficulty. Still, Simon remains focused on the bigger picture: supporting cancer care.

"I have a running coach whom I have been training with for the last six months," the 57-year-old Toronto native says.

The journey, which begins May 11, will see Simon tackle the equivalent of a full marathon each day for about a week — but he won't be taking on the challenge alone. He'll be joined by a small support team, including close friends and a family member, as they make their way north toward Tobermory. A local company has also donated a trailer for the journey.

The effort is also tied to a GoFundMe campaign. "We're already over $15,000, and we haven't even started the run yet!" Simon says. 

Proceeds will be divided between Stratford General Hospital, London Cancer Centre, and Stratford Wellspring, three organizations that have played a pivotal role in supporting his wife throughout her cancer journey.

With the start date set for May 11, just a day after Mother's Day, the campaign's strong response may be linked to its emotional timing. He also hopes to keep his supporters updated on his run on his website. 

While not a trained athlete, Simon has always prioritized his fitness, though he admits he's never trained this rigorously before. "I've lost a toenail while training, but really, that's nothing compared to what my wife is going through."

Simon says running has taken on a new meaning for him. “It has become a distraction from what I’m going through,” he adds.