A roundup of recent fundraisers that have raised funds to benefit McLean Hospital.
Mental Health Matters Marathon Team
For the second year, the Boston Athletic Association has awarded McLean Hospital bibs for the Boston Marathon’s charity program. McLean’s Mental Health Matters team will champion the hospital’s mission to end the stigma surrounding mental health. Funds raised through this effort will benefit The Way Forward Campaign’s capital effort to build a new child and adolescent campus. We are thrilled to introduce the six runners and one emeritus member of McLean’s team.
Dylan Antonioli: Dylan is studying to be an acute care nurse practitioner at Yale. “As a former patient of McLean’s 3East adolescent DBT program, I know firsthand just how life-changing good mental health care can be. It’s allowed me to succeed beyond what I thought possible. I am thrilled to have a way to pay it forward.”
Kyle Heffrin: Kyle is running in memory of his best friend who was treated at McLean. “For me, McLean represents hope and healing, providing compassion and support to individuals and families navigating the complexities of mental health challenges. The history, crowds, and hills of the Boston Marathon make this experience even more special. I’m proud to run in support of McLean.”
Lindsey Hogan: Lindsey has been a daily runner since college. “It’s truly therapeutic for me as I love being in nature, taking some deep breaths, and being able to connect with family or friends along the way. Professionally, I am a pediatric neuropsychologist at Mass General Brigham, and I have my own private practice. I am passionate about supporting mental health and thrilled to have the opportunity to fundraise for McLean!”
Eli Leino: Eli also has a loved one who received life-changing care at McLean, which makes his participation deeply personal. “I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary difference that expertise and compassionate care can make. Running for McLean allows me to combine two of my passions—pushing my limits and supporting a cause that’s close to my heart.”
Kristin Kilbourne O’Day: Kristin has worked for McLean’s development office since 2011. “I have considered running a personal form of meditation/therapy for decades. During my time at McLean, I’ve gone from having a family member with a mental health condition, to having a (different) family member with a mental health disorder treated at McLean, to having my own experience with post-partum rage, depression, and anxiety. I’m looking forward to sharing my story more broadly and raising funds to help McLean do what it does better than any place else.”
Ipsit Vahia, MD: Ipsit is chief of Geriatric Psychiatry at McLean and director of McLean’s Technology and Aging Lab. “McLean’s presence in the marathon serves to spotlight the importance of mental health care, a cause which I, as a psychiatrist, am devoted to. I am excited to bring attention to the crucial issue of older adult mental health through my marathon training and fundraising.”
Arthur Siegel, MD, Honorary Coach: Arthur serves as chief of Internal Medicine at McLean. A former Boston marathon runner himself, his research on distance running has enhanced the safety of the sport by advancing novel treatments for life-threatening hyponatremia.
The Ride for Mental Health founder Mac Dorris
The Ride for Mental Health
Malcolm (“Mac”) Dorris has hosted the annual Ride for Mental Health since 2017, raising proceeds for McLean and reducing the stigma surrounding mental well-being—all while honoring the memory of his son, Eric, who lost his battle with mental health at just 21 years old.
Since its inaugural year, the event has raised nearly $1.5 million, which has been directed to a range of clinical, research, education, and stigma reduction initiatives at McLean.
This year’s ride will take place on June 21 and 22, 2025, in New Paltz, New York. Riders will be able to enjoy scenic views of the Hudson Valley as they complete 14-, 25-, 50-, or 100-mile routes. Individuals who are unable to participate in person are encouraged to join the Ride’s Strava Group, where virtual riders track their mileage through the app and create their own personal fundraising pages.
To register, volunteer, or learn more about The Ride, visit rideformentalhealth.org and select “Team McLean” or email Sally Spiers.
BFit Challenge
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the Boston Bruins Foundation held their 9th annual BFit Challenge at TD Garden. 292 participating teams, made up of over 2,000 first responders, military personnel, and community members, climbed the stadium stairs and raised over $1.2 million for first responder and military charities.
Team MR8, organized by the Martin Richard Foundation, raised more than $50,000 for McLean’s own LEADER (Law Enforcement, Active Duty, and Emergency Responder) program. Founded in the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, LEADER supports police, active military, and first responders as they face unique, job-related psychological stress and trauma.
