By Beth David, Editor
The family of Conrad Roy III, who died by suicide in 2014 at the urging of someone he knew, held an awareness/memorial 5K walk/run on Saturday, 9/10/22 at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven, to gain support for “Conrad’s Law,” which would make suicide coercion illegal in Massachusetts. The state is one of only seven that do not have a law on the books.
The bill has been stalled in the state legislature, and organizers are hoping the walk and subsequent publicity will spur lawmakers to move it through the process.
The walk drew 147 walkers, according to Conrad’s aunt, Kim Bozzi. She said a lot of spectators also went out to watch and cheer people on.
“It was a really nice day and it went well,” said Ms. Bozzi in a phone interview. “I was really happy it got a lot of attention for [the bill]. That’s what we were looking for.”
On Facebook (see Conrad’s Law Bill S.2382), she thanked all those who participated and volunteered.
“Words cannot express the gratitude we felt seeing a loving community come together in support of such an important cause,” reads the FB post. “We wish we could have greeted and thanked each of you but you did not go unnoticed.”
To contact your state senator or representative, call the Statehouse main number, 617-722-2000, or visit mass.gov
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