For Patrick O’Leary, the decision to run this year’s Boston Marathon® for Samaritans stems from a deeply personal connection to its mission. Patrick connected with Samaritans in 2021, after losing a loved one to suicide. The organization’s Suicide Grief Support Services helped his family navigate the bereavement.
“It was heartbreaking what happened to my family,” Patrick shares. “For those impacted by it, talking helps and listening to other people’s stories that they can identify with helps.”
His family has gotten more involved in the Samaritans community since then, participating in events such as the annual 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention. Wanting to do more to support the organization, Patrick also ran the TCS New York City Marathon last year for Samaritans. Following the success of New York—both in fundraising and starting important conversations with his network—he set his sights on Boston.
Preparing for a physical feat such as the Boston Marathon is grueling for Patrick, who admits he isn’t an endurance athlete (“Maybe an aspiring endurance athlete,” he says). He maintains motivation by seeing the impact he is having on his family and others supporting his run.
“The encouragement goes a long way,” Patrick shares. “It goes a long way in those 4:00 AM mornings when you’re out there trying to get the miles in before work. And then certainly when you’re in miles 20 through 26 on race day, there’s not really much fueling you other than any sort of positive energy you can muster up at that time.”
Patrick gets that energy from his community rallying behind the cause. Each donation represents someone joining him in supporting Samaritans’ mission to prevent suicide and support those affected.
Looking ahead to race day, Patrick is grateful for his supporters: “Thank you for everyone that’s considering donating to the cause.”
Show Your Support
Support Patrick as he tackles the Boston Marathon in support of our lifesaving services.
