Local Runner to Represent America's Largest Suicide Prevention Organization in Three of the Nation's Largest Marathons

Mar 14, 2022

Including Historic 126th Boston Marathon

Boston, Massachusetts Mar 14, 2022 (Issuewire.com) - Local Runner to Represent America's Largest Suicide Prevention Organization in Three of the Nation's Largest Marathons, Including the Historic 126th Boston Marathon

Taunton resident Jen Fusco Hoye is joining the nation's largest suicide prevention organization, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), to raise funds and awareness in the oldest, toughest, and most iconic race in the world. Hoye will represent Team AFSP on April 18 in the 126th Boston Marathon®, the first Patriots' Day edition of the race in three years.

"Many of us have been affected by mental health issues either personally or through family and friends," said Hoye. "Representing Team AFSP in the Boston Marathon is a privilege. It's an opportunity to spotlight mental health, shift the norm of talking more openly about these issues, and raise funds that will save lives."

Hoye is honored to be a part of one of the largest annual fundraising events for the AFSP Massachusetts Chapter for the second consecutive year. Every year applicants from across the country apply for a coveted spot to represent Team AFSP and run in the prestigious Boston Marathon®. Hoye was selected to receive 1 of only 10 bibs available for the 2022 race.

Hoye lost her brother, Teddy Fusco, Jr., to suicide in May 2017. Fusco, a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation ranger stationed at the Massachusetts State House for nearly twenty years, was known for his kind and gentle nature, as well as for his sense of humor and love of practical jokes. Hoye is a passionate suicide prevention advocate and AFSP supporter and was inspired by her brother to complete Healing Miles remembrance walks and runs in honor of others who have died by suicide. Hoye has dedicated Healing Miles to hundreds of men, women, and children from across the globe.

In addition to the 126th Boston Marathon, Hoye was selected to represent Team AFSP at both the 2022 Los Angeles Marathon on March 20 and the 2022 Chicago Marathon on October 10. Hoye will be joined by her husband, James Hoye, when he also runs and represents Team AFSP for the first time in Chicago.

Hoye was also recently selected to represent the AFSP Massachusetts Chapter at AFSP's National Chapter Leadership Conference taking place this Spring in Texas. Each year, hundreds of passionately engaged mental health volunteers converge on one host city, along with AFSP staff, for this annual conference. It's a chance for leaders from across the county all to come together, share experiences and ideas, and learn what's on the horizon for the nation's largest suicide prevention organization.

Team AFSP is an official partner of the John Hancock Marathon Non-Profit Program. As part of John Hancock's focus to empower sustained health and wellbeing this exclusive program donates over 1000 Boston Marathon® bibs to select non-profits throughout the community, providing these organizations with a significant fundraising opportunity. In 2021, Team AFSP runners with bibs obtained through John Hancock raised more than $96,000. This year the team goal is to break $100,000. Meet the 2022 Team AFSP and read their individual #WhyIRun stories: www.givengain.com/cc/afsp2022

"Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States," said AFSP Massachusetts Area Director Jessica van der Stad. "Our runners take on a tremendous training and fundraising challenge when it comes to the Boston Marathon. They each have a personal reason for joining Team AFSP and their shared stories of hope and healing inspire all."

Hoye is determined to cross the finish line and personally raise $10,000 for AFSP. To make a donation, visit Jen Hoye is raising money for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | GivenGain. All donations are tax-deductible and funds raised will support local and national efforts to save lives and provide hope to those impacted by suicide. AFSP funds much-needed research, create evidence-informed programs, advocates for public policy, and supports those affected by suicide.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Learn more at www.afsp.org.