VA New England Healthcare System
VA Boston researcher runs Boston Marathon to help prevent suicide
Jesse Gass, M.P.H., research coordinator for the VA New England Clinical Trials Network running the 2015 Boston Marathon.
Jesse Gass, M.P.H., research coordinator for the VA New England Clinical Trials Network based out of the VA Boston Healthcare System, ran the 2015 Boston Marathon to raise money and awareness for Samaritans, a non-profit suicide prevention organization that is very close to her heart.
In 1988, her cousin, Danny, took his own life at the age of twenty-four. He was a beloved part of her family and the closest person in her life she ever had to an older brother. In an effort to honor his memory and to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss, she first got involved with Samaritans when she lived in New York City, serving as a volunteer on their suicide prevention helpline. “There, I witnessed firsthand how the profound human connection that happens when we are heard, understood, and valued can change – and even save – people’s lives,” Jesse said.
Jesse said she was thrilled to run her first marathon on behalf of Samaritans. She ran in memory of Danny and as a gesture of love and support to her family and others who have been affected by suicide. She also ran in solidarity with those who have experienced mental illness, one of the biggest risk factors for suicide. “It is my hope that shedding light on the subjects of suicide and mental illness, which are so often cast in darkness, can alleviate the stigma and suffering that comes with them,” Jesse said.
Writing about her depression, author Kay Redfield Jamison has said that "the beast was best handled by turning it toward the sun." Samaritans operates in that spirit, seeking to reach people in their darkest moments, to turn despair into hope and loneliness into connection. “I am so honored to be a part of that effort by running on the Samaritans team. I am grateful for everyone who supported me to raise money and awareness for such an important cause – every dollar will go towards the life-saving work of Samaritans.
For more information, please visit www.samaritanshope.org.
