Weston Resident to Run Boston Marathon for Suicide Prevention

WESTON, MA— Weston resident Delaney Callaghan will be running the 123rd Boston Marathon for a very personal reason. Delaney has been volunteering with Samaritans, an organization that is very meaningful for her, for the past year. She is raising money and awareness for suicide prevention as part of the Samaritans Marathon Team.

All proceeds generated from this year’s team will benefit Samaritans’ suicide prevention services. This includes their 24/7 Crisis Services phone and text Helpline, suicide prevention workshops for schools, businesses, and community groups, and SafePlace support groups for those who have lost someone to suicide.

This is the 12th consecutive year that Samaritans, a suicide prevention organization serving the Greater Boston and Metro West communities, has received bib numbers for their Marathon Team. The donation was made to help Samaritans generate awareness about the issue of suicide, educate the public about suicide prevention, and raise much-needed funds.

“Each of our team members have been touched by suicide and are passionate about raising awareness and educating the public about this important issue,” said Executive Director of Samaritans Steve Mongeau. “The stigma and misinformation that surrounds the discussion of suicide and suicide prevention is an unfortunate reality. Our Marathon runners are performing a tremendous service to our organization and the community at large and are helping to save lives.”

For over 40 years, Samaritans, Inc. volunteers have answered more than 2.5 million phone calls. The agency has trained more than 4,500 volunteers and instructed more than 100,000 individuals through its Community Education and Outreach Program and has supported over 10,000 individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide.