On August 25th, 2023 my family's life changed forever. My mother-in-law Debbie took her life. Debbie battled depression on and off for a majority of her life. Within the last three months, Debbie’s episodes became more prevalent and she was experiencing major depression with psychosis. This April, I am honored to be representing Samaritans at the 128th Boston Marathon. I am representing Samartians at the Boston Marathon to help raise awareness about suicide and let those struggling know about the resources available. Samaritans works to prevent suicide and support those who have lost someone to suicide. In addition to raising awareness about suicide, I am running the Boston marathon to celebrate Debbie’s life. By running the marathon and fundraising, I will be able to share my family’s story and raise awareness about resources like Samaritans.Debbie did not like the stigma associated with mental illness and hid her illness from those around her, including close family and friends. The ironic part of this is that Debbie admired people who had mental illness and who were able to speak publicly and openly about their illness. I am sharing my family's story with others so we can help remove any stigma around mental illness and prevent other families from having to go through the same tragedy we have gone through. Debbie was an amazing wife, mother and nana. She was married to her high school sweetheart for 40 years. She was the greatest mother and bestfriend to my wife Chelsea. In April 2021 and May 2023 my wife and I welcomed two beautiful girls into our lives, Charlotte 2.5 years old and Elizabeth 5 months old. Debbie was the best Nana ever. She did everything for Charlotte and I have no doubt that she would have done everything for Elizabeth too.There is still a stigma around mental health and that stigma could cause individuals to hide their mental illness. I want to remind people that it’s okay to not be okay. I am running for those who have experienced the same pain as my family. I am running for those who have walked to the edge of life and decided to stay, and I am running for those who left too soon.Every dollar contributed goes directly to Samaritan’s life saving program. Donations will go towards training volunteers, maintaining helpline services, and organizing community outreach programs. Together, we can create a compassionate society where no one feels alone in their struggles.Please share my family's story and check up on a friend or loved one today.Follow my trainingStrava (running app) - Josh SidemanInstagram @runfordebbieYou can donate directly here OR you can send $ through Venmo @Josh-Sideman (write subject "Samaritans") I'll send the Venmoed money to GivenGain myself mentioning your name unless you express you want to remain anonymous