What's more grueling—running the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon or training for it all winter, faced with freezing temps, icy streets and snowbanks? We know our 13 determined charity runners from Team Framingham will crush both of these challenges, all to support Call2Talk.
With just 2 months to go before the 129th running of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21st, we're already cheering our 13 runners on as they demonstrate remarkable endurance and a strong commitment to finishing the race and hitting their fundraising goals.
“We are thrilled and beyond grateful to have 13 members of Team Framingham running to support our programming," Call2Talk Director Eileen Davis said. "As they train this winter and brave the brutal temperatures and conditions, we are reminded how important perseverance and resilience are for one’s own mental health."
Team Framingham's fundraising will support Call2Talk's new Senior Connections program, focused on suicide prevention for those 55+.
While Call2Talk is for callers of all ages, this vital new support group was created because statistics show depression and suicide rates are rising among older adults.
Many of our runners feel connected to the cause, including through their work as Framingham firefighters, as a local paramedic, a social worker, a Emergency Medicine PA, a teacher, and other roles in the community.
One of our runners, Aline Ribeiro, shared how running and mental health are intertwined for her.
"In 2024, I started running during one of the hardest times in my life," Ribeiro wrote on her online fundraising page. "Running became an important part of my life, helping me to heal and move forward. I was lucky to have support from people around me, but I know that many don’t have that option."
She added that programs like Call2Talk are so important because they provide "a lifeline for people who feel alone and unheard, offering them hope, compassion, and someone to listen. For many, this kind of support can be lifesaving. Every step I take during the marathon will be dedicated to raising awareness and funds for this incredible program. I believe no one should have to face their struggles alone, and together, we can make sure they don’t have to."
Call2Talk, based in Framingham, is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center, and the 24/7 mental health and emotional support helpline of Mass211.
Anytime 24/7, callers can reach a compassionate listener at:
• 508-532-CALL (2255), Call2Talk's local direct number
• 988 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• 1-800-273-TALK
• 211 x25 through Mass211
Building on the success of Move 4Ward, a support group for women who have lost a spouse or partner to suicide, Senior Connections adds another in-person component to Call2Talk's programming.
Since loneliness, loss of independence, and chronic pain or physical illness are among the risk factors that increase with age, Senior Connections allows older adults to share experiences and build emotional connections. The group meets in Framingham on the second Wednesday of every month.
The money the marathon runners raise will go toward a speaker series, social activities and transportation, among other ways to support those 55+.
Each of the 13 runners has committed to raise a minimum of $2,500 for Call2Talk as part of their marathon journeys, while aiming for $5,000.
Jack's Abby is hosting a Neighbor Night fundraiser on Thursday, March 13th, from noon-9pm and will donate 20% of customers' bills to the Call2Talk runners. Please eat out that day, or pick up takeout and let the staff know you're supporting "Team Framingham."
Our runners are: Albert Parent, Aline Ribeiro, Ashley Edmond, Claire Kelly, Frank Pawluczonek, Jacqueline Burgoyne, Joe Tosi, Laurie Pare, Max Feldman, Patrick Merrigan, Shane Arrandale, Trevor O'Leary and Chris Berardi.
Support their efforts by donating at: www.givengain.com/campaign/join-us-in-making-a-difference-via-the-2025-….
And join us on the Boston Marathon sidelines on Patriots' Day to cheer our runners on as they race from Hopkinton to Boston. It's quite a feat and we're very proud of them!
"Thank you, Team Framingham Call2Talk Marathon Runners," Davis said. "We cannot wait to root you on from Route 135 this April.”