Framingham residents running 26.2 miles for suicide prevention

Two Framingham residents, Amy Russo and Andrew McDonnell will be running in the 2018 Boston Marathon. They’re not only training to run the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston, they are also raising funds to support Call2Talk, the United Way of Tri-County’s mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program.

Amy Russo has never run a marathon before but said it’s always been on her bucket list. “My fiancé Brian, an ultra-marathoner, my family, and the selfless leaders of Team Framingham are providing my support system,” says Russo.

Andrew McDonnell has one marathon under his belt after running with Team Framingham last year. Andrew says his wife Jackie became his inspiration after she ran the Boston Marathon in 2010 and encouraged him to run. “I’m training with Team Framingham and it’s been really great to work with a group of like-minded runners towards the same goal,” McDonnell said.

Neither Russo nor McDonnell were familiar with Call2Talk before they were selected to run with Team Framingham, but both understood the importance of offering a free, confidential mental health and emotional support resource in MetroWest. “I visited the program and was really impressed,” McDonnell stated. “I volunteered for a support hotline in the past and I know how important that help can be. I’m glad I’m able to help get the message out about Call2Talk.”

“Mental and emotional health issues are extremely important topics that are not openly spoken about. I know many people who have been affected in some way by mental health concerns,” states Russo. “It’s great knowing that Call2Talk is available for those who may be afraid to speak to someone in person about their internal struggles and crises,” she goes onto say.

Funds raised by the two runners will support Call2Talk’s ongoing efforts to train more volunteers for Call2Talk’s call center and will allow the program to expand its presence and build awareness in the community, especially among young adults. Since opening four years ago, Call2Talk has become a critical community resource. Call2Talk is part of the Mass2-1-1 system and answers calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, receiving calls from people living across Massachusetts and beyond.

Each runner has a goal to raise $3,000 as part of Team Framingham. To support Amy Russo and Andrew McDonnell, please visit their fundraising pages on the United Way of Tri-County website at
https://www.uwotc.org/call2talk.
For those needing assistance, Call2Talk can be reached by phone at (508) 532-2255 or by texting C2T to 741741. For more information about the Call2Talk or the United Way of Tri-County please visit www.uwotc.org.