Two and a half years ago, South Shore native and musician Sam Worley began his journey to get sober.
At the time, it hadn’t been since his high school days as a cross country team captain that running had been a significant part of his life. When Sam began his sobriety journey, he found himself returning to the sport he grew up with, this time, using it as a grounding, meditative tool to remain sober.
“Running puts you completely in your body and that has helped me with my sobriety,” says Sam. “It really helps as a daily routine and has been a big piece of the puzzle for me.”
In 2022, Sam celebrated his return to long-distance running by participating in the NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon and has since also completed the New York City Marathon and Chicago Marathon. His ultimate goal? Conquer all five remaining major marathons, with Boston this spring, and a plan to take on the Berlin Marathon later this year.
“Being from here and raising money for a charity that is a hometown charity makes this one special,” says Sam. “I will have people I’ve known since high school and my family come out to support me; it’ll be really cool.”
Growing up, Sam knew The Home for Little Wanderers as the nonprofit his parents collected toys for during the holiday season. Every year, his dad rented a van, packed it with items donated by Sam’s family and individuals that his parents “recruited” for the effort, and delivered them to children and families in The Home’s care. Now, Sam is making his own memories with the organization, as he runs to support young individuals
affected by addiction, and the programs that help break the harmful cycles it can create.
“I have been very lucky to grow up in a healthy home, but throughout the process of getting sober, I’ve met children and parents of very different circumstances and have seen how it affects everyone involved,” says Sam. “Having a support system to avoid falling into, or falling back into, drugs and alcohol goes a very long way.”
When he isn’t out hitting the pavement in preparation for his next big race, you can find Sam writing and recording original music, in Boston, New York and Los Angeles. As a talented guitar player, singer and songwriter, he plans to use his music to raise funds for The Home, whether that’s through a fundraiser show or music purchased on BandCamp.
Interested in helping Sam hit his fundraising goal? Click here to donate now!
