Stephanie Jandrys is running for suicide prevention in memory of her cousin

"Teddy’s loss left an enormous hole in this world and in the hearts of many."

Stephanie Jandrys is running for suicide prevention. Stephanie Jandrys

March 2, 2020

1 minute to read

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 #WhyImRunningBoston story here.

Name: Stephanie Jandrys
Age: 32
From: Saugus, Massachusetts

I am humbled and honored to be a part of Samaritans’ 2020 Boston Marathon team. My family and I lost a piece of our hearts just a few short years ago when my cousin, Teddy Fusco, died by suicide. Teddy’s loss left an enormous hole in this world and in the hearts of many. I’m running in Teddy’s memory to help Samaritans realize a society in which fewer people die of suicide…a society where suicide is not a stigma, where those affected by depression can find comfort and help, and where, as a community, we can help lessen others’ stress, despair, depression and suicidal ideation. Every single day, Samaritans works to make all of these things a reality, and I feel grateful to help support their life-saving mission.

Jandrys and her cousin, Teddy Fusco, who committed suicide and for whom she is running the Boston Marathon.

Teddy was more than my cousin — he was the one person I could always confide in, my constant. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Teddy was loved by everyone whose life he touched. For those of us lucky enough to know him, he kept our days warm, light-hearted and full of pranks. As a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) State House Ranger for more than two decades, Teddy continually went out of his way to keep people safe — whether at work or in his personal life. If you’d ever visited the State House, you probably knew Teddy and his smile, larger-than-life personality and willingness to help in any capacity. These are, sometimes, the people you would least expect to take their own life, and the people who most need our help.

Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.