Boston Marathon

“I am sharing my family’s story with others so we can help remove any stigma around mental illness and prevent other families from having to go through the same tragedy we have gone through.”

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.

Name: Josh Sideman
Age: 34
From: Billerica

I’m running for Debbie.

On August 25th, 2023 my family’s life changed forever. My mother-in-law Debbie took her life. Debbie battled depression on-and-off for the majority of her life.

Within the last three months, Debbie’s episodes became more prevalent and she began experiencing major depression with psychosis. I am representing Samaritans at the Boston Marathon to help raise awareness about suicide and let those struggling know about the resources available.

Samaritans works to prevent suicide and support those who have lost someone to suicide. In addition to raising awareness about suicide, I am running the Boston marathon to celebrate Debbie’s life.

Debbie was an amazing wife, mother and nana. She was married to her high school sweetheart for 40 years. She was the greatest mother and best friend to my wife, Chelsea.

In 2021 and 2023, my wife and I welcomed two beautiful girls into our lives, Charlotte and Elizabeth. Debbie was the best Nana ever. She did everything for Charlotte and I have no doubt that she would have done everything for Elizabeth too.

Debbie did not like the stigma associated with mental illness and hid her illness from those around her, including close family and friends.

The ironic part of this is that Debbie admired people who had mental illness and who were able to speak publicly and openly about their illness.

I am sharing my family’s story with others so we can help remove any stigma around mental illness and prevent other families from having to go through the same tragedy we have gone through.

Please remember that it is okay to not be okay and together we can break the stigma.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.