Michael Cherry Memorial Run raises awareness of mental health issues

August 4, 2021 lordpaluzzi

Jason Wright doesn’t want the memory of his nephew, Michael Cherry, to fade away.

He also hopes to help others who, like Michael, are drowning in anxiety, helplessness, and struggling with addiction.

Michael Cherry, 27, a Grafton native, died three years ago by suicide, a loss which led Wright to form the Oddball Foundation, which is dedicated to mental health issues. Its first fundraiser is the Michael Cherry Memorial Run, a 5K run/walk around Grafton on October 2.

“It is my hope that we can remember Michael on this day, and bring awareness to the havoc that mental health and addiction can have on someone, and to ease the comfort of the Grafton community, who sadly has dealt with many similar losses,” Wright said in a letter to sponsors. “It is also my hope on this day that we can come to terms, with forgiveness and understanding, and acknowledgement why some chose to end their lives.

“My hope is that October 2nd is a crisp fall morning, the leaves will have turned preparing for a long winter, and my family and Michael’s friends, along with the support of his community, will simply walk together, or run together,” he added. “Not to win a race, but simply to remember him, and all those we have lost to something that is beyond all of us. This day, my hope is one of healing, remembering, and family, laughter, and love, and a day that can be one to remember, and simply enjoy life.”

Wright appeared before the Select Board Tuesday to request road closures for the race, which starts at the Municipal Center at 10 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m.