When Brooke first considered running the Falmouth Road Race, it wasn’t about fundraising or causes—it was about family and fun.
“My aunt had convinced me to,” she said. “She and my uncle have a house in Falmouth and her family grew up running the race. Since I had recently gotten into running, she suggested it would be fun to go down for the weekend and run the race.”
Brooke applied for the 2024 lottery but wasn’t selected. Still wanting to be part of the event, she started exploring other options and stumbled across the list of charity teams. “I looked into the charity teams, but with no expectations of applying to run for one,” she said. “I had no idea how to fundraise.”
But then, something clicked.
“When I saw the Samaritans had openings left for their team, I knew I had to apply. We lost my cousin Chad in October 2023 to suicide, and I wanted to run in his memory.”
She applied to join Team Samaritans, was accepted, and set out on her first-ever fundraising journey. “Running in his memory and raising awareness for suicide prevention was one of the greatest things I had gotten to do,” Brooke said. “And I wanted to be able to do it all again.”
From Grief to Purpose
The experience of running for Chad, and for a cause as deeply personal as suicide prevention, left a lasting impression. It gave Brooke a sense of purpose that went far beyond the miles.
“Combining my love for running and my passion for spreading awareness for this cause is such a gift,” she said. “I am so excited to be back.”
As a returning runner, Brooke brings both experience and new perspective into this year’s race season. Last year, she was new to it all—training, fundraising, racing with a team. This year, she’s coming back stronger.
“I’ve learned that there is so much more support out there than someone may think,” she said. “You can make an impact without even realizing it.”
Running Toward Something New
Since that first Falmouth race, Brooke hasn’t slowed down. Quite the opposite.
“I feel more prepared,” she said. “I’ve run four half marathons since last August, and I ran my first full marathon in April. I’ll actually be in the middle of training for another full marathon taking place in October.”
While she feels physically ready for this year’s seven miles through Falmouth, she knows that the race-day heat can be unpredictable. “As long as the heat doesn’t get out of control, I’ll be more than prepared,” she added.
A Tribute and a Reminder
Every time Brooke laces up her shoes, she carries a reminder of why she runs.
“I run every race for Chad,” she said. “And I carry his initials with me on a washer tied onto my race shoes.”
It’s a quiet, powerful tribute—a simple object with deep meaning. A way to keep his memory close through every run, every finish line.
What She’s Looking Forward To
This August, Brooke will line up again with Team Samaritans, ready to tackle the iconic Falmouth course. And this time, she’ll be soaking in every moment.
“I am looking forward to putting on the Samaritans singlet with pride,” she said. “And enjoying every moment of those seven miles along the beautiful coast.”
She’s not just running for Chad—she’s running for others who are struggling, and for the families who’ve experienced similar loss. “I’m running for everyone out there who may be struggling or has been affected by suicide.”
One Step at a Time
Brooke’s story is a reminder that healing doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in moments—like tying a washer to a shoelace, finding unexpected support, or feeling pride in carrying a message forward.
“I didn’t know how to fundraise. I didn’t even expect to run for a cause,” she reflected. “But this has become one of the most meaningful things I’ve done.”
With every step, Brooke is building awareness, carrying memory, and showing others that they are not alone.
If you’d like to support Brooke in her fundraising efforts, please visit her fundraising page. Every contribution supports our programs and brings us one step closer to preventing suicide and saving lives.
Check out the full #TeamSamaritans at
https://capesamaritans.org/falmouth-road-race/.