These answers have been edited for clarity.
Sarah discovered Samaritans after her father took his life in 2012. The organization’s Suicide Grief Support Services helped her heal and connect with a supportive community of fellow loss survivors. For the past 13 years, she has led Team Eric T in the annual Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention.
Who are you walking or running in honor of? Is there something special about them that you’d like others to know?
I am running in honor of my dad, Eric Thomas. Eric was a family man, who loved fiercely and had a passion for fishing and his beloved team the Patriots. Unfortunately, he battled depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse for years in silence, without reaching out for help.
How did you first hear about Samaritans? Have our services or community made a difference in your life or someone close to you?
I first heard about Samaritans after my dad sadly took his own life in 2012. The services provided by Samaritans helped me with grief support and gave me a community of people who had been through similar situations. Every year since then I have been a Samaritans 5K team captain for Team Eric T, which has been an incredible experience for my family and I to be part of.
How many years have you participated in the Samaritans 5K with a team? What keeps you coming back year after year?
I have participated in the Samaritans 5K for the past 13 years and been the team captain of Team Eric T. What keeps us coming back is the amazing community Samaritans fosters, the services it provides, and the impact Samaritans has made for people who have needed their services. The event itself is fun and family friendly.
Being a part of Samaritans and the work they do is deeply humbling and inspiring!
What’s been the most meaningful moment or memory for you at the Samaritans 5K?
Every year it is truly eye opening being at the event and seeing how many peoples lives are impacted by suicide. It brings tears to my eyes crossing the finish line knowing that the money raised will help save lives and bring hope to many.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about the 5K or why you think others should join?
Being a part of Samaritans and the work they do is deeply humbling and inspiring!
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.
