In December 2012, I lost my best friend, Wade Fisher, to suicide and my world collapsed. Wade was the most incredible man I ever knew…He was patient, kind-hearted and wise beyond his years. He was a social worker, an entertainer, an improv actor, an active volunteer; He was so very talented, intelligent, wise and extremely charismatic, not to mention unavoidably charming (in an “Elvis-meets-Mr. Ro
gers kind of way). In short, Wade was normal and exceptional – A true Samaritan. For many years, Wade also battled with a number of physical and emotional ailments that attacked him every day, including mental illness. Although he tried everything he could think of to make some progress, it all eventually became too much for him to handle. After 6 months of barely getting through each day, my sister, Michelle, slowly began introducing me to Samaritans. At first, I was nervous and unsure, but also comforted by their warmth, understanding, perspective and mostly their demeanor. As I learned more about Samaritans, I was amazed by their dedication to suicide prevention and helping survivors navigate their path forward. Growing up, there was always a huge stigma around suicide; a stigma that still exists among kids today. Sitting in their office, I knew I wanted to be a part of their effort to reduce this stigma and help people realize that there is always another option, but I didn’t know how to engage. I was still paralyzed in my grief. Then, Michelle suggested we run the Annual 5K…and I started to dip my toes in the water of forward motion, sharing my grief with other folks who had also lost someone to suicide and channeling some of my energy towards helping Samaritans as well. Without comparison, this has been the most difficult year of my life and without exception, Michelle has helped me through each day. We continually find strength in our bond and look to our friendship as a limitless source of energy upon which we draw when we need it the most. Whether we were picking up the pieces after our parents divorce or when, at age 3, I graciously took the blame for turning the plants upside down, we have always been a team. Running 26.2 miles in honor of Wade and raising $26.2K for Samaritans will, most certainly, be one of these special moments. Many have joked about the fact that we're "running" to honor Wade, pointing out just how often he used the treadmill that was literally right below his apartment. Tou·ché! However, anyone who knew Wade would definitely agree that he was all about helping people and that is exactly what Samaritans does. Thank you for your support in helping us reach our goal for Samaritans!!
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Michelle’s Story:
Two tragedies came together this year that propelled me towards running Boston. First, my brother Marcus’s very best friend, Wade Fisher, took his own life in December 2012, shattering our world as we’d known it. This year has been an epic “heartbreak hill,” as my heart has been regularly breaking for my brother in his uphill struggle with Wade’s death. Marcus and I are very close, and have been throughout our lives. While Wade wasn’t my best friend, he was my brother’s brother, and often I haven’t been able to differentiate my pain from Marcus’s. On April 15, 2012, I was watching the marathon near mile 16, as I always do, misty-eyed with inspiration, touched by the commitment of so many, from near and far, running for all reasons. Running the legendary Boston Marathon, so close to home, has been my dream for years, though not until the bombs went off did I actually commit to doing it not some year, but this year. All the pain of Wade’s death combined with the refusal to let terrorists ruin this beautiful celebration of goodness and life, and set my dream in motion – I committed to pouring all of my heart and soul into this enormous feat, to focus 100% on training and raising as much awareness and money for Samaritans as possible. I refuse to let pain, fear and negativity prevail over love, kindness and hope. I am running this marathon for Wade, for all who loved him, for my brother, for all who were touched by the Boston bombings, and for everyone everywhere who ever feels alone, scared or hopeless – YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
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We hope you will consider donating to Samaritans! This organization has provided such comfort and compassion to me and Marcus when we needed it most, and has shown Marcus a path to positivity through his grief. The services they provide to survivors are heartfelt, empathetic and hopeful. They truly understand what people go through specific to this type of loss. In addition, Samaritans is committed to preventing suicide by helping people understand the warning signs, lessening the stigma around suicide and mental illness, and by spreading a sense of connectedness and friendship around the Boston area through their “Happier Boston” campaign. Your donation will keep these programs and services strong so people like my brother will have this blanket of support and pathway to healing available. Click here for more information. Thank you so much, and “Be Strong and MarathON”!
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We are pleased to offer you a fun drawing to make your donation not only appreciated, but also exciting! For every donation above $74, you will be entered in a drawing to win amazing prizes. The more you donate, the greater the prize and the more chances of winning. Click here for details. We will also be offering a series of fun events, games and challenges, so check back here often for updates! Please feel free to contact us with any comments or question at [email protected]. Finally, if you would like to follow Michelle’s blog as she trains for the marathon, click here.
- See more at: http://www.crowdrise.com/samaritans2014bostonmarathon/fundraiser/BrotherSisterRunners .YZhFyC2Q.dpuf
