These answers have been edited for clarity.
When Kristen lost her 17-year-old son Matthew to suicide in 2020, she discovered the vital support Samaritans provides to families navigating unimaginable loss. Since then, she has led Team Matthew;s Crew in the annual Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention, honoring her son’s memory while raising awareness and funds for Samaritans’ lifesaving programs.
Kristen shares Matthew’s story, reflects on the healing power of community at the Samaritans 5K, and explains why she joins this special event every year.
How did you first hear about Samaritans? Have our services or community made a difference in your life or someone close to you?
I have known the name “Samaritans” for years, having seen signs in locations such as the Sagamore Bridge. But I came to know of the services they provide when I lost my 17-year-old son, Matthew, to suicide in 2020. Upon request, a team of two trained suicide loss survivors from Samaritans came to my home to speak with my family about life after losing a loved one to suicide. Their willingness to speak openly was a blessing and is something that I will always remember and be grateful for.
Who are you walking or running in honor of? Is there something special about them that you’d like others to know?
Team Matthew;s Crew walks in memory of my son, Matthew Nicholas. Matthew was in many ways not a typical teenage boy. Anyone who met him knew they were blessed to have him in their lives. He was a scholar, an athlete, and a musician. He was fun and very funny with an incredibly quick wit. He enjoyed many different things from knitting to woodworking, finance to robotics. He was an insatiable reader. He had great plans for his future, which, prior to his passing, included a plan to earn his electricians license as well as become a psychiatric [nurse practitioner] or a psychologist because “I know I can help people, Mum”. He was a loving son and brother. He was fiercely loyal to his family and friends and would stand up for the underdog always! He was always generous with his time and talents. Above all, he was a child of God.
How many years have you participated in the Samaritans 5K with a team? What keeps you coming back year after year?
2025 will be our 6th year for Team Matthew;s Crew participating in the Samaritans 5K. We return every year because we believe that with education, awareness and support we can greatly reduce and (dare I say) eliminate the loss of loved ones to suicide. Each loss has a devastating ripple effect. Samaritans offers many services from community education to crisis hotlines and text services. These services provide opportunities to save lives!
What’s been the most meaningful moment or memory for you at the Samaritans 5K?
Each year brings its own special moment. Last year several members of our team struck up a conversation with a young woman who was running the 5K for the first time, in memory of her dad. She came on her own and did this beautiful thing. She was proud of herself and yet it was clear that she needed to talk, to share her story and talk about her father. Losing someone to suicide can be very isolating as it can be difficult to talk about with others who don’t understand. We welcomed her into our group and listened as she spoke. When it was time to go, we all came together in a group hug, united in our sorrow, but also in our humanity and in our hope.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about the 5K or why you think others should join?
I encourage everyone to join the Samaritans 5K! Suicide does not affect “other people,” it affects each one of us whether we know it or not. You never know who in your own circle – family, friends, coworkers – could be struggling today. To know about organizations such as Samaritans, to have an awareness of the reality and prevalence of suicide, to have a number to share with someone to call or text if they are hitting a rough patch or in a major crisis, can make a real difference. The more we share this amazing resource, the more people can benefit from the services Samaritans provides. And for those of us who are suicide loss survivors, it is inspiring to see others that have walked this path ahead and to know that we are not alone.
Join us at the 27th Annual Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention
Register as an individual, start a team with your friends and family, or sign up as a volunteer to make this special day possible.
