Thank you very much for visiting my 2012 Boston Marathon Page!!!!!

Running the Distance for Suicide Prevention

Being a runner for many years to run THE Boston Marathon is an absolute dream come true. This dream has been fulifilled by the unbelievable Samaritans Organization whom I can not speak highly enough of.

Suicide became apparent to me at a young age. On July 4th, 1994 our family friend took his own life. He had just graduated from high school and had his whole life ahead of him. I didn't really understand the situation or suicide at the time, but as I got older depression and suicide began to hit very close to home. When I left for college in 2000 I began my own battle with depression. I didn't know why I felt this way as I came from a great family, beautiful town and was granted a life that most kids dream of. As the years went on my depression just got worse. Every day became a battle with this disease I couldn't cure. I lost interest in most things. One of them being running. For anyone that knows me or even has just met me. They would never put me and depression in the same sentence because I am always smiling. That is the thing with depression. It can be very easy to hide. I became a master at wearing masks to hide the pain I was truly feeling. I hid behind that mask and just accepted being depressed for many years. With the support of my family and friends I finally took off my mask and began living my life for the better.

In 2009 I read in the local newspaper about the Samaritans 5k. I had just began running again and decided to attend the event. It was an emotional yet positive experience for me. I continued to run and a year later contacted Samaritans to run my very first marathon on behalf of their organization. I am so happy that I got to be able to learn and be a part of the Samaritans community while training. It was such a positive influence in my life and a huge stepping stone in my road to happiness.

On April 16th, 2012 I will be running The Boston Marathon on behalf of Samaritans. It is a true motivation to know I am running for a cause that is spreading awareness about suicide and depression. Every time I put on my running shoes and hit the streets there is one word that gets me to each mile. HOPE.

Thank you in advance for your contributions and support in getting to my goal.

For more information about Samaritans life-saving programs, please visit our http://www.samaritanshope.org.

No matter how you decide to contribute, please know that your support will help ensure that our confidential and anonymous befriending services remain available to the members of our community who are feeling lonely, desperate and suicidal. Thank you so much!