As a college student, Freeman Whitaker helped lead mental health initiatives on campus for those who needed someone to listen.
Upon graduating and moving to Boston to attend Boston College Law School, he wanted to find a way to continue supporting individuals who are struggling. Running the 2026 Boston Marathon® for Team Samaritans is allowing him to do just that.
“Throughout my life, I have seen the impact organizations like Samaritans can have on individuals. I hope to help support those who are struggling, as well as those families in grief.”
Freeman is a loss survivor, having lost multiple former lacrosse teammates to suicide. He wants to honor those he has lost while helping others feel like they are not alone. “It has been incredibly difficult to realize someone I spent so much time with could be suffering without anybody being aware.”
Specifically, Freeman wants to raise awareness for the mental health challenges athletes face. “There is such a stigma that as an athlete you have to be tough or unbreakable and bottle up your emotions. But I’ve learned that being open about how you feel demonstrates real strength.”
Running has helped Freeman manage his own mental health. He has appreciated the community and camaraderie of Team Samaritans, with the other runners’ stories and the organization’s mission motivating him during his training.
“My coach at Loyola University Maryland, Charley Toomey, always said, ‘Leave it better than you found it.’ I have tried to embody this in my everyday life, leaving each person I interact with in a better place. That could mean something as simple as smiling at a stranger.”
You never know what people are going through. Samaritans embodies that compassion and kindness, and I am so proud to be a part of this team.
Above all else, Freeman wants people who are struggling to know that there are resources like Hey Sam and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline available. “I want to add days to the lives of as many people as I can by showing everyone there is always someone to talk to.”
To support Freeman, visit his Boston Marathon fundraising page.
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