My Story

Hi, me again! If you’ve stumbled upon this fundraising page of mine, chances are pretty good that you've heard my story. For those who haven’t, my sister Jodi died by suicide on July 10, 2006. She was 32 years old. In celebration of her life, Jodi Ann’s Team was born, a few months later in September of 2006. Since then, my family has participated in the Samaritans Annual 5K in Boston, Massachusetts for more than 17 years and I have run the Boston Marathon on Team Samaritans every year from 2009 to 2019, and then again in 2022. All three of my daughters have finished the Boston Marathon on Team Samaritans as well.  Needless to say, I'm beyond excited to be taking my mental health awareness and suicide prevention mission across the pond next year. On April 21, 2024, I will lace up those trainers and run my 32nd marathon in memory of my sister, Jodi Ann Sims and in honor of all those fighting their battle with mental illness. I’ve committed to raising $10,000 for this UK charity that inspires me every day. The Samaritans rely on the kindness of people who give of themselves and their resources to help others. Your donation will contribute to their efforts to reduce the risk of suicide and increase public awareness of prevention strategies. It will also help many despairing individuals find emotional and often lifesaving support from their volunteer based 24 hour Befriending Services. 

I hope that this year we can work together to raise even more money for the life saving work that Samaritans does day in and day out! Here's to ending the stigma & your reminder that it's okay to not be okay <3

Grateful for your support. xx