It is hard to go anywhere on the Southcoast without knowing who Conrad Roy III was.  His death in 2014 made him a household name, not only in Massachusetts but all over the world.

Conrad died by suicide at the age of 18 after encouragement, through texts, from his girlfriend Michelle Carter.

Conrad Roy Jr. says that he was "inspired to get healthy and found running and fitness as a way to cope with the grief" of his son's death.  "Less than (a) year ago, I barely was able to run a half of a mile," he stated.

On April 16th, Mr. Roy will be running the Boston Marathon in his son's memory as part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's team.

On his AFSP page, Roy writes, "Suicide is preventable."  He hopes that Conrad’s death has an infinite impact in helping others.  "My son was wearing a Boston Strong t-shirt when he died.  I truly feel that I was meant to run this marathon in his memory."

Last March he was able to run the New Bedford Half Marathon in less than 2 hours.  "That achievement inspired me to set a goal of running a marathon in my son’s honor."

So far Mr. Roy has raised over $9,000 of his $25,000 goal to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  AFSP is a non-profit organization that specializes in helping to save lives and give hope to those affected by suicide.  They fund several programs to reduce stigma and help the public better understand suicide.

For more information on AFSP, visit AFSP.org, and if you are in crisis, you may call  the 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Conrad Roy (AFSP)
Conrad Roy 1985-2014 (AFSP)
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