Addi and Brian St. Jean share a love for serving others. It drives their actions, attitudes and, now, their determination to cross the most iconic finish line in the world.
The father-daughter duo from Duxbury only began running in 2024. Soon after completing Boston’s Run to Remember, their first half marathon, they both immediately craved a more ambitious challenge. That’s when they set a goal to secure two charity bibs to run the 129th Boston Marathon, side by side.
In the St. Jean’s household, mental health is of the utmost importance. As a family, they have experienced its impact firsthand, as well as the power of a strong support system when one is in the thick of its challenges. So, when it came time to partner with a charity, Addi and Brian aimed to find an organization that supports the mental, emotional and social well-being of children and families. Once Addi discovered The Home for Little Wanderers, she felt that they had found their perfect match.
“The Home offers so many different elements of support, which is necessary because there isn’t a direct, easy fix with mental health,” says Addi. “The way that this organization steps in for kids in a way that no one else does, that hit home for us.”
This run for The Home is only the latest “passion project” the St. Jeans have organized to raise mental health awareness. In the past, they have worked with Boston College, where Addi currently attends as a neuroscience major, and her siblings’ schools to promote the significance of mental health.
“It is something that we are super passionate about,” says Brian. “We just need to make sure we keep our gas pedal down so other people continue to invest in this and help each other.”
Last December, the St. Jeans also jumped on the opportunity to support children and caregivers of The Home through the organization’s Big Wishes Gift Drive, which gave everyone in their family an opportunity to pitch in and help create positive holiday memories for disadvantaged youth.
When it comes to their marathon and related fundraising efforts, Brian admits that it is Addi who is leading the charge. If you ask Addi, however, she will credit her father, telling you it is only because she has learned from the best.
“My parents have been killer examples for me in life, they are always putting others before themselves,” says Addi. “So, to take something both me and my dad prioritize, being a person for others, and doing something like the marathon together… it is an extraordinary opportunity.”
Interested in supporting Addi and Brian’s fundraising efforts for The Home? Click here to donate now.
