Team Chowder for the Samaritans

Team Chowder for the Samaritans: an Interview with Carrie Howder by Jessica Lucci

JL: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

CH: I have been living in Waltham with my two pups for 5 years. I am active in the running and artist communities. And I am captain of Team CHOWDER in the Samaritan’s 5K road race that will be held on September 23.

JL: What is the Samaritans?

CH: Samaritans provides lifesaving suicide prevention services throughout Greater Boston, MetroWest, and across Massachusetts. Their services are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental.

JL: Why are the Samaritans so important?

CH: In the United States, more than 47,000 people die from suicide each year, making it the 10th leading cause of death (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). While Samaritans cannot solve the public health crisis of suicide alone, the programs make a serious difference to the folks in our community who are struggling.

JL: What drew you to the Samaritans?

CH: I was 27 years old and one month out from my wedding when my Dad died by suicide. In 2011, I was asked to participate in my first 5K. I got to the event and realized it was for Samaritans. It changed my life!

JL: Can you tell us about the Samaritan’s 5K?

CH: The Samaritans 5K is always held in September to honor those we have lost and support those who are struggling. It is an opportunity to seek refuge with others. To feel you are not alone. This year is the 25th year anniversary of the run/walk.

JL: How long have you been running the Samaritan’s 5K?

CH: In 2011 and 2012, I ran the event as an individual. In 2012 I was waiting with others at the starting line and I started crying. I thought to myself, I should not be here alone. In 2013, I formed a team.

JL: What is Team Chowder?

CH: I first formed Team Jim Howder in honored of my dad. As the team grew I realized that many of my teammates were also participating to honor someone that they had lost to suicide. I then changed the name to CHOWDER. My first inital and my last name. Very popular in New England.

JL: What does it feel like to run with your team?

CH: This day is very emotional for me. You run the gamut from feeling blessed to have the support of friends, family and thousands of others gathered to support a great cause. Then you are hit with an incredible sense of sadness that so many people have been affected by suicide.

JL: How can we support you?

CH: Quite frankly the first way is money. Samaritans could not offer the wide variety of services it offers without financial support. The strongest way is by educating yourself about mental illness. Become an active listener and communicator. Be empathetic, be supportive. If that means sitting by a friend for hours holding their hand, do it. If that means calling or texting a friend daily to check in, do it. If that means running errands for your friend, do it. If that means closing your mouth, opening your ears, or sitting together in silence, do it. You do not need to understand. Admit you don't if you don't that's ok. Show that what you do understand is that your friend is not alone.

There’s still time to run the race! To donate to Team Chowder, simply click here: https://support.samaritanshope.org/fundraiser/4736226