The journey begins...
- melrousselle
- Nov 14, 2025
- 2 min read
As shared to friends and family on November 11, 2025, announcing the news of this amazing journey to my 3rd Boston Marathon finish line:
Most people know me as an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention through my work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
When I ran the Boston Marathon in 2022 with Team AFSP, I shared my own story — the challenges I’ve faced with mental health, and the truth that healing isn’t something that ever really ends. It’s something I keep working on, every day. Some days are light. Some are dark. But I #keepgoing.
That run was about honoring my journey of finding healing and strength through running, and learning to find the light — even when the darkness still creeps in.
As I approach my 50th birthday in January, I want to mark this milestone in a way that truly matters.
I’m so excited to share that I’ll be running the 2026 Boston Marathon for Rebekah's Angels Foundation — an amazing organization that provides therapy for children who have experienced trauma.
This run is for the little girl in this photo — the one I wrote about a few years ago when I first opened up about my struggles that I now recognize began as early as 4th grade. That post was one of the most vulnerable things I’ve ever shared… and it reminded me how powerful honesty and connection can be.
Rebekah’s Angels’ mission means so much to me, because in many ways, I’m running for that little girl — and for every child learning that healing isn’t linear, and that hope can always find its way back in.
Marathons are not easy - but, I’m fueled by purpose, gratitude, and the reminder that healing is a lifelong journey… and every step forward counts.
More updates and ways to support will be shared soon — but for now, thank you for being part of my story, and for helping me keep running for hope.
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