For Cam, running the Falmouth Road Race has been part of family life for years.
Long before he signed up himself, he watched family members take on the iconic course as part of Team Samaritans. His mother served on the organization’s board, and his parents and brother have all run the race to help raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Through those experiences, Cam learned about the organization’s crisis lines, grief support services, and commitment to helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.
Over time, that mission became even more personal.
Cam has experienced depression himself and believes that organizations like The Samaritans have played an important role in helping create a culture where people feel more comfortable talking openly about mental health.
“Almost everyone I know has dealt with varying degrees of depression or anxiety,” he says. “And we talk about it with one another.”
That openness matters. Being able to share struggles, recognize that you’re not alone, and have honest conversations about mental health can make an enormous difference for someone who may be hurting. It’s one of the reasons Cam was drawn to The Samaritans and the work the organization does every day.
As race day approaches, though, Cam is running for more than one reason. This year, he’s also running in honor of his dad, Joe Agresta.
Joe passed away unexpectedly last summer, just weeks before he was scheduled to run his tenth Falmouth Road Race. Running for Team Samaritans over the last few years was something he cared deeply about. For Cam, stepping onto the course this year feels like a way to continue that tradition.
“Training for a race that was so important to my Dad has felt really special,” he says. “It’s become an unexpected way to stay connected to him.”
Through the long runs, early mornings, and fundraising efforts, Cam has found himself thinking about his father often. He expects he’ll be thinking about him throughout the race as well—especially when recalling Joe’s infamous running advice: “Start slow and taper off.”
That connection has become a source of motivation on the days when training feels difficult. When energy is low or motivation is hard to find, Cam reminds himself of the bigger picture. Every mile run and every dollar raised helps advance suicide prevention efforts and supports people who may be struggling.
He’s also been encouraged by the support of his community. Throughout his fundraising journey, friends and loved ones have continued to engage in open conversations about mental health—something Cam never takes for granted. Those conversations reflect what he hopes more people will understand about suicide prevention.
Cam says, “Talk to the people you love. Ask questions. Share your own experiences. Even when it feels vulnerable or uncomfortable, connection matters. A small spark of connection can have a meaningful impact and open the door for larger conversations.”
As his first Falmouth Road Race draws near, Cam is feeling a mix of excitement and healthy apprehension. It will be his first race longer than a 5K, and he’s heard plenty about Falmouth’s famous hills and summer heat. But more than nerves, he’s carrying a sense of purpose.
On race day, he’ll be running to support suicide prevention. He’ll be running alongside a community that believes in showing up for one another. And he’ll be running in honor of his dad—a man who loved this race, believed in this cause, and whose presence will be felt in every mile.
For Cam and his family, crossing the finish line won’t just mark the end of a race. It will be a celebration of Joe’s legacy and the impact he made by supporting a cause he cared about so deeply.