Taunton woman running Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles Marathons for charity in honor of late brother

A Massachusetts resident is joining the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to raise funds and awareness in the oldest, toughest and most iconic race in the world.

Jen Fusco Hoye of Taunton will represent Team AFSP on April 18 in the 126th Boston Marathon®, the first Patriots’ Day edition of the race in three years.

“Many of us have been affected by mental health issues either personally or through family and friends,” said Hoye. “Representing Team AFSP in the Boston Marathon is a privilege. It’s an opportunity to spotlight mental health, shift the norm of talking more openly about these issues, and raise funds that will save lives.”

Hoye is honored to be a part of one of the largest annual fundraising events for the AFSP Massachusetts Chapter for the second consecutive year. Every year applicants from across the country apply for a coveted spot to represent Team AFSP and run in the prestigious Boston Marathon®. Hoye was selected to receive 1 of only 10 bibs available for the 2022 race.

Hoye lost her brother, Teddy Fusco, Jr., to suicide in May 2017. Fusco, a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation ranger stationed at the Massachusetts State House for nearly twenty years, was known for his kind and gentle nature, as well as for his sense of humor and love of practical jokes. Hoye is a passionate suicide prevention advocate and AFSP supporter and was inspired by her brother to complete Healing Miles remembrance walks and runs in honor of others who have died by suicide. Hoye has dedicated Healing Miles to hundreds of men, women, and children from across the globe.

In addition to the 126th Boston Marathon, Hoye was selected to represent Team AFSP at both the 2022 Los Angeles Marathon on March 20 and the 2022 Chicago Marathon on October 10. Hoye will be joined by her husband, James Hoye, when he also runs and represents Team AFSP for the first time in Chicago.

Team AFSP is an official partner of the John Hancock Marathon Non-Profit Program who donates over 1000 Boston Marathon® bibs to select non-profits throughout the community. In 2021, Team AFSP runners with bibs obtained through John Hancock raised more than $96,000. This year the team goal is to break $100,000. To learn about other individual #WhyIRun stories, visit www.givengain.com/cc/afsp2022