This year, Samaritans of Merrimack Valley proudly celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Walk for Hope—a decade of raising awareness, honoring lives, and strengthening the community’s commitment to suicide prevention and mental health support.

Mike, Declan, Delaney, and I are proud to participate this year and walk in memory of my brother, Kevin McGuinness. We lost Kevin to suicide in 2000, when he was just 18 years old.

I wish more than anything that Kevin were here to be the amazingly fun uncle I know he would have been. We talk about Kev every day, and I’ll always do my best to make sure Declan and Delaney know him, hear his stories, and understand just how loved he is.

Walking in his memory is also one small way I can help continue a conversation that matters so deeply to me. I hope to do my part to erase the stigma surrounding mental health and remind people that there is never shame in asking for help.

If you’re able to donate, please know that no amount is too small. Every dollar raised and every step taken helps raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support the lifesaving services Samaritans of Merrimack Valley provides throughout our community.

We’ll be walking for Kevin, and for every person and family who has been impacted by suicide. ❤️