Samuel John McConahy
1-27-1995 to 3-10-2002
This year for the race Sam would have been 13 years old and finishing up the 7th grade - it is hard to believe that he would already be a teenager! It has been a little more than 6 years since he died, but his memory lives on brightly in our hearts and minds.
In 1999 at the age of 4, Sam was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer. During the next 2 ½ years, Sam had 4 brain surgeries, underwent 6 weeks of daily brain radiation, took more than 10 different chemotherapies and was involved in 3 different clinical trials. Through all of this Sam led a very normal life for a young boy. He rarely missed school and was able to participate in Sunday School, soccer and baseball, swimming lessons and piano lessons and activities with friends. Sam was a truly happy child and lived a full life doing all of the activities kids his age love to do. He had a huge smile and a terrific laugh. He had a stubborn streak and a strong will, but he was very lovable, kind, and a ton of fun to be around. He would often imitate cartoon characters and sing silly songs. After a brave and valiant fight against this very aggressive form of brain cancer, Sam died peacefully at home early in the morning on March 10, 2002, and we were all with him.
Sam would have been thrilled with his new baby brother, Mark - he would have been a terrific big brother all over again! Sam has two other brothers, Stephen and Ben, whom he played with and loved very much. He also enjoyed watching videos, playing miniature golf and basketball and spending time at the beach with them.
Throughout Sam’s fight with cancer, prayers were answered so many times. God gave all of us so much strength, and His blessings were so numerous in our lives. When we think of Sam’s struggles we remember the verse, Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." We were and continue to be so deeply touched by the overwhelming kindness from so many people. We love talking about Sam and remembering all the things he did and how he enriched our lives.
Some things Sam really liked:
- Thomas the Tank engine, trains, building train tracks, Franklin the turtle, anything Toy Story, Arthur books
- Monster trucks (Monster Patrol)
- Animals – especially cats and dogs
- Going to playgrounds, throwing rocks in creeks
- Halloween, Christmas, Easter
- Construction equipment and trucks, pipe trucks, tanker trucks, dump trucks
- Playing games (Uno, Candyland) and playing Super Mario Bros on his Gameboy
- Camping with Dad and his brothers
- Playing with his brothers and wrestling with his Dad
Some things Sam did NOT like:
- Homework, scary movies, large crowds, traffic, change
- Putting his face in the water when he swam
This is a song that Sam’s Uncle Brian read at his memorial service and it was truly perfect.
A visitor from Heaven if only for awhile,
A gift of love to be returned, we think of you and smile.
A visitor from Heaven accompanied by grace,
Reminding of a better love and of a better place.
With aching hopes and empty arms, we send you with a name,
It hurts so much to let you go, but we’re so glad you came.
We’re so glad you came.
A visitor from Heaven, if only for awhile,
We thank him for the time He gave and now it’s time to say,
We trust you to the Father’s love and his tender care
Held in the everlasting arms, and we’re so glad you’re there.
We’re so glad you’re there.
With breaking hearts and open hands we send you with a name,
It hurts so much to let you go, but we’re so glad you came.
We’re so glad you came.
This race continues to be very special to our family, and we thank you for your participation. Your help and support at this event make a real difference in the lives of children, and it allows our group to raise funds for cancer research and l ife-saving and life-enhancing treatments for children like Sam, Virginia, Kayla, Alex, Elijah, Elora and Saxon. THANK YOU for being a part of it and helping us keep their memories alive.