Why I’m Running: Micaela Connelly is running Boston for suicide prevention in memory of her father and uncle
"I would love to share my story with fellow readers and runners in hopes that we can start the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention."
Micaela Connelly.
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 on April 16, 2018. Are you running Boston? Here’s how to share your story on Boston.com.
Name: Micaela Connelly
Age: 26
From: Brighton
Bib #: 26935
This year I am running the Boston Marathon on behalf of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of my father, who we lost to suicide five years ago, as well as my uncle, who we lost this past summer to suicide as well. My family has always had deep roots in Boston; my father was an avid runner and always dreamed of running the Boston Marathon, and my uncle and his three young sons were diehard Boston sports fans. Last year I ran the 121st Boston Marathon as my first marathon ever, and, before the training process started, I had never run more than five miles in my life. Since then I have run three more marathons, Boston 2018 will be my fourth, and I will also be participating in the Boston to Big Sur Challenge by running the Big Sur Marathon in California 13 days after Boston. Back-to-back, coast-to-coast marathons, one for each of the loved ones I have lost to suicide. In addition to running, I am raising funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, with the ultimate goal of reducing the rate of suicide, breaking down stigmas associated with mental health, and becoming a voice for hope and change. I have set my fundraising goal at an ambitious $25,000 this year after my success of raising over $20,000 last year.
Check out our entire “Why I’m Running” series.
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Editor’s note: Entries may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
