Renee Heffron is running Boston for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
"My motto is, 'Conquer Heartbreak Hill to end heartbreak.'"
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your story here.
Name: Renee Heffron
Age: 49
From: Lynnfield
I’m running the Boston Marathon this year to honor my amazing sister-in-law, Andrea Heffron Surette, who took her life last June. Our lives were changed in unimaginable ways that day. We lost a beautiful, smart, funny, and caring person who touched so many lives but her struggle was pervasive.
The stigma around mental health is too prevalent in our society and it is leading to heartbreaking losses. There are on average 130 suicides per day in the U.S. When Andrea lost her battle, our family, led by her four brave daughters, agreed it was important to not hide what happened and instead draw attention to this public health crisis.
I turn 50 in April and wanted to run the Marathon again. It was an easy decision which charity I would team with to do that. I am running with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention team to help spread awareness and raise money to help with suicide prevention.
My motto is, “Conquer Heartbreak Hill to end heartbreak.” Training with Team AFSP has been hard but invigorating, and with me on every run are memories of Andrea and I know she’ll be with me on race day.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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