When Donna talks about why she’s running the 2026 Falmouth Road Race with Team Samaritans, she starts with her husband, David. Not with how he died, but with how he lived.
David was loving, funny, hardworking, selfless, and a friend to many. He was the voice of reason in difficult moments and the kind of person who could make an ordinary day feel special. He was a devoted husband, a trusted friend, and someone whose impact continues to be felt by the people who knew and loved him.
In 2017, Donna lost David to suicide. It’s a loss that changed her life forever. But when she shares his story, she is intentional about remembering the fullness of who he was.
“While suicide is part of his story, it is not who he was,” she says. That belief is one of the reasons she chose to run for Team Samaritans.
Losing someone to suicide leaves behind grief, unanswered questions, and a profound understanding of how important support and connection can be. Through our crisis services, grief support programs, and suicide prevention work, The Samaritans provide hope and compassion to people facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Supporting that mission feels deeply personal to Donna.
She runs because she wants others to have access to the resources, support, and understanding that can make a difference. Most of all, she runs because no one should have to struggle alone.
As race day approaches, every training run serves as a reminder of that purpose. On the difficult days, when the miles feel long or motivation is harder to find, Donna thinks about the reason she laced up her running shoes in the first place. Every run is an opportunity to raise awareness. Every donation helps support suicide prevention efforts. Every step becomes a way to honor David’s memory while helping others find hope and connection.
Along the way, fundraising has opened the door to meaningful conversations. Donna has been reminded time and again that suicide touches far more lives than many people realize. Friends, family members, coworkers, and supporters have shared their own experiences, stories, and connections to the cause.
For those who knew David, revisiting memories of him has been especially meaningful. Some memories have even brought a smile, like when Donna mentions that their wedding florist made a donation to support her fundraising efforts—a gesture that immediately brought back memories of the floral budget discussions she and David once had. It’s a reminder that grief and joy often exist side by side, and that the people we love continue to show up in unexpected ways.
Throughout this journey, Donna has also been carried by the support of the people around her. Friends, family, and coworkers have encouraged her through training and fundraising alike. Every donation, message, and word of encouragement has reinforced an important truth: she is not carrying David’s story alone. That support has meant everything.
Looking toward race day, Donna describes carrying a mix of emotions with her—sadness, love, gratitude, and hope. She knows she’ll be thinking about David throughout the race. He was always her biggest cheerleader, whether she was crossing a finish line, navigating a challenge at work, or attempting to channel Julia Child in the kitchen. She laughs as she recalls that those culinary adventures more than once ended with smoke detectors blaring and a call to the local pizza shop.
Those are the memories she’ll carry with her in Falmouth. Not just the loss, but the laughter. Not just the grief, but the life they shared.
When she crosses the finish line, it will be with gratitude for the many ways David continues to inspire her and the countless people whose lives he touched. If there’s one thing Donna hopes others take away from her story, it’s the power of connection.
“You don’t need to have all the answers to support someone who is struggling,” she says. “Sometimes the most important thing you can do is listen, show up, and let someone know they are not alone.”
She believes suicide prevention begins there—in a conversation, a kind word, a check-in, or a moment of genuine presence. Small actions may seem insignificant, but they can have a lasting impact. Because sometimes the simplest gestures are the ones people remember most.
Support Donna’s fundraising journey on her Race Roster page.