Mix 104.1's Kennedy Elsey is stepping up to the plate once again for Massachusetts' youth, embarking on a 13.9-mile trek from Natick to Brookline to bolster funding and awareness for youth mental health. As conveyed by NBC Boston, the occasion is the 2nd annual "Kennedy's Wicked Long Walk," set in motion tomorrow, and it's not just any stroll. The aim here is to gather monetary pledges in favor of Samaritans, an organization dedicated to providing suicide prevention services across the state.
The importance of the effort is underscored by a sobering statistic: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 34. Elsey, a familiar voice on Boston's airwaves, is leveraging this event to offer a message of hope. "Well, I went through some pretty dark times," she told NBC Boston, illustrating why the fight against suicide and for mental health support is not just a cause but a personal crusade.
This initiative supports the Samaritans' "Hey Sam" program, a youth mentoring service designed to assist with personal tribulations and emotional distress that could lead to suicidal thoughts. "These people are saving lives every day. And I just, I want to be a part of that," Kennedy explained in her commitment to the cause. Last year's walk was a testament to community generosity with a total of $50,000 raised, and hopes are high to exceed that amount this year.
In a call to action echoed by Samaritans, the public is encouraged to contribute to this year's fundraising endeavors. As a society, we tend to forget about the silent struggles plaguing our youth, but Kennedy is ensuring these issues get the spotlight they deserve. "I just want more than anything for people to know, especially our young people that they're not alone, and that even though it seems dark, I swear there's light,” she emphasized to listeners.
