Tom Maine’s Course to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention

Jul 18, 2024 | Blog

As we gear up for the Falmouth Road Race 2024, we are honored to share the inspiring story of Tom Maine, a dedicated runner and advocate for suicide prevention. Running for The Samaritans on Cape Cod & the Islands, Tom’s journey is not just about crossing the finish line but about spreading hope and awareness for a cause that deeply resonates with him.

Inspiration Behind the Cause

Tom’s commitment to suicide prevention is profoundly personal. “Unfortunately, yes,” he begins when asked if he has a personal connection to the cause. “When I was just four years old, my dad took his life. The devastation and pain that event brought to our young family – my mom and two sisters – is what motivates me to support The Samaritans and its work.”

Tom’s early experience with loss has fueled his passion for helping others. By running in the Falmouth Road Race, he honors his father’s memory while advocating for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. 

Training & Preparation

Preparing for a race like the Falmouth Road Race requires both physical and mental endurance, something Tom understands well, especially after facing significant health challenges. “I had a heart attack and open-heart bypass surgery in February of last year, so I’ve been quite a bit more conscious of my health and fitness since then,” he shares. 

Tom’s training routine reflects his dedication. “I did regular gym workouts through the winter and early spring, then once I made the decision to run the Falmouth Road Race with The Samaritans again this year, I started walking and running in my neighborhood.” 

He continues, “Progress has been slow – I’m not a natural runner, even though I’ve run a couple of marathons – but I continue to grind away at building the miles and endurance needed for the race. I want to be able to represent The Samaritans well and thank all my donors by running a good race.”

Fundraising Journey

Fundraising can be as challenging as the race itself, but Tom has encountered touching moments of support and generosity. “I have a great network of friends and family who are stepping up already after a post or two on social media. So far, my most touching donation has come from a member of Cape Cod Church where I’m one of the pastors. She gave very generously because, as she put it, ‘Through my own struggles, you have been a beacon of hope.’ That’s exactly my desire in this – that anyone struggling with doubt, depression, and perhaps suicidal thoughts would know that there is hope – they just have to reach out.”

Impact & Awareness

Tom hopes that his participation will raise significant awareness for suicide prevention. “My participation on Team Samaritans gives me a great opportunity to tell a bit of my story of growing up under the cloud of family suicide, but more importantly, it allows me to connect that story to the work that is being done by The Samaritans every day to prevent future suicides. My church supports The Samaritans as a community partner, so many of my church family know of the great work they do, but being a part of the team and running for The Samaritans gives me a fantastic opportunity to tell of that work (and the great need for it) to a much wider audience in my non-church network.”

A Message to Readers

Tom’s message to readers is a heartfelt plea to recognize the broader impact of suicide. “I think we sometimes tend to think of those who are taken by suicide only as individuals – tragic stories of single lives lost to mental illness and hopelessness. For me, though, the real story of suicide is about those left behind, about the husbands, wives, children, parents, friends, etc. whose lives are forever altered by the tragic and painful loss of their loved one.”

He emphasizes the critical role The Samaritans play in offering hope and help. “The Samaritans’ efforts to offer a message of hope and help to those considering suicide are key not only to saving the life of that person but to saving families from that pain as well – and I believe The Samaritans on Cape Cod & the Islands is the best-equipped, best-trained, and best-positioned organization in our area to offer that message. Sign up as a volunteer and/or donate today!”

If you’d like to support Tom in his fundraising efforts, please visit his fundraising page. Every contribution brings us one step closer to preventing suicide and saving lives. 

Check out the full #TeamSamaritans at https://capesamaritans.org/falmouth-road-race/.

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