April 20, 2026, will mark Russell Holman’s first time running the Boston Marathon®. The course will have a deeply personal meaning for him on race day, especially in the later miles near Fenway Park, where he knows he will feel the presence of his brother, Rick, who died by suicide in 2018.
“Our last conversation was about him visiting me in Boston, so we could catch a Red Sox game together. When I finally spot the iconic Citgo sign in Kenmore Square, I will know he’s still right there with me, cheering me on through those final steps.”
After Rick died, Russell turned to Samaritans for support. He attended SafePlace suicide grief support meetings and received a personalized visit from someone who had also lost a sibling to suicide, through the organization’s Survivor to Survivor visit program.
“That compassionate listening and connection were transformative during one of the hardest times of my life. I found comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone in navigating this unique pain.”
This will be Russell’s second time taking on a 26.2-mile course, having completed the Maine Coast Marathon in 2025. Running has taught him lessons about emotional resilience, especially as he navigates his own mental health and grief journey.
“[Running] carves out quiet, dedicated time to process my thoughts, allowing emotions to surface, swirl, and gradually settle without forcing them away. The repetitive rhythm builds real mental toughness; pushing through tough miles when my body wants to quit mirrors the daily work of resilience in grief, showing me I can endure discomfort and keep moving forward.”
While training with Team Samaritans, Russell has felt a profound sense of community and belonging. “Surrounded by fellow runners who are also loss survivors or people deeply connected to the mission, I feel seen and supported.”
Being part of this team reminds me every day that I’m not alone in my journey.
In addition to raising awareness for Samaritans’ suicide grief support services, Russell wants to encourage people who are struggling to ask for help. A suicide attempt survivor, he believed in his darkest moments that the world would be better without him.
“Having experienced both sides of suicide—losing my brother and nearly losing myself—I know firsthand that getting help can change everything. It showed me that you are never too broken to get help, that asking for support is one of the bravest things you can do, and that the world is absolutely not a better place without you. Your presence matters, your story matters, and there are people—strangers on a helpline, peers in support groups, friends, and family—who want to listen and walk with you through it. Samaritans was part of that lifeline for me.”
To support Russell, visit his Boston Marathon fundraising page.
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