Josh Sideman hit a personal and organizational record in 2024, raising $43,026, more than any other Boston Marathon runner on Team Samaritans, ever.
He ran in honor of his mother-in-law, Debbie, who died by suicide in August 2023 after struggling with depression for most of her life. By running and fundraising on behalf of Samaritans, Josh aimed to both celebrate Debbie’s memory and raise awareness about suicide.
“If I could talk to one person today and they hear my family’s story, maybe that would help them check in on a loved one who might be struggling,” he says. “The more you talk about something in a safe and understanding way, the more it’s normalized. People shouldn’t be afraid to have this conversation.”
He hopes other families will turn to Samaritans for support. “It’s just so important to know that there is a resource like that here in Massachusetts that is available, and it’s easy to find,” Sideman said. “It’s okay to not be okay.”
I am sharing my family’s story so we can help remove any stigma around mental illness and prevent other families from having to go through the same tragedy.
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