Elizabeth Saylor is embarking on her first Boston Marathon in honor of her father and to raise awareness about mental health. Since the emotional journey that led her here began when her father committed suicide in 2008 at just 13 years old, Saylor has become acutely aware of the stigma surrounding mental health and the difficulty people face in discussing it openly.
Motivated by the need to spread awareness, Saylor is on a mission to bring attention to mental health issues, especially to address the alarming rate of suicides in the U.S. She is running the Boston Marathon to raise funds for the Stepping Strong Center, an organization that provides suicide prevention training services. Through her efforts, she hopes to highlight the importance of supporting those struggling with mental health challenges.
Saylor recognizes that her run is bigger than herself and represents a community effort to address mental health issues. Her focus on reaching out and providing support to those in need resonates with the mission of the Stepping Strong Center. She acknowledges the significance of embracing discomfort, a lesson learned from her father, in overcoming challenges and growing through adversity. Saylor hopes to inspire others, particularly young girls, to face difficulties head-on and to know that they will emerge stronger from those experiences.
As she takes each step during the Boston Marathon, Saylor will be thinking of her family and the importance of raising awareness for mental health in honor of her father. Her journey is not just about running a race but about advocating for mental health support and encouraging others to seek help when needed. With her determination and commitment, Saylor is making strides towards breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues and offering hope to those who may be struggling.
