By Michael G. McDonough, Esq., Managing Partner
This Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, the greater western Massachusetts community will come together for the SrA Stephen Comeau Memorial Stride for Change 5K Run/Walk, an event dedicated to closing the gap in mental health care for Servicemembers and Veterans. Our law firm is honored to serve as a sponsor of this event — a cause that resonates deeply with our firm, which was founded by Veterans and has always been committed to serving those who served our country.
The event will take place from 8:00 AM until 12:30 PM at the Ashley Reservoir, in Holyoke. After the run, a raffle, grilling, and other festivities will occur at the co-located Elks Lodge #902, 250 Whitney Avenue, Holyoke, Mass.
Born From Loss, Built for Change
Stride for Change was founded by Karen Struck in memory of her son, Senior Airman Stephen Comeau, who passed away while serving in the United States Air Force. Karen’s leadership has created an event designed to confront one of the most urgent and under-addressed crises facing our military community: the alarming and disproportionate rate of suicide among Servicemembers and Veterans.
Too many who serve our country come home carrying invisible wounds — depression, PTSD, and other mental health struggles — without adequate access to the care and community they need. Stride for Change exists to change that reality, one stride, one conversation, and one connection at a time.
What to Expect on Saturday
The event kicks off at 8:00 AM with a 5K run/walk at Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke, Mass., which is open to participants of all fitness levels. The morning is built around three simple goals: honor the fallen, support our heroes, and start the conversation.
Following the race, everyone is invited to head to Elks Lodge #902 for food fresh off the grill, a raffle with great prizes, live music and community fellowship. Attendees do not have to run to participate. Current Servicemembers, Veterans, military family members, and supportive members of the community are all welcome to join in the food, fellowship, and fundraising.
More Than a Race
Stride for Change is about more than crossing a finish line. It is about building the kind of camaraderie that saves lives. When Servicemembers and Veterans struggling with depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges see a community rallying behind them, it sends a powerful message: you are not alone, and help is available.
Events like this create space for open conversation about mental health in a community that has historically struggled to talk about it. That visibility matters. It connects people to resources. It reminds Veterans and their families that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As the event’s own materials put it: suicide is a crisis in the military, but your story isn’t over — and neither are you. Run. Walk. Connect. Talk. Donate. Support. Prevent. Suicide prevention starts with all of us.
How You Can Help
Every dollar raised at Stride for Change goes directly toward addressing the mental health resource gap for Servicemembers and Veterans. If you cannot attend on Saturday but still wish to contribute, donations can be made easily using the event infographic.
As a firm founded by Veterans, we know firsthand how vital it is that those who served have somewhere to turn. We are proud to stand behind Karen Struck’s leadership and SrA Comeau’s memory, and we hope to see you can join at the starting line — or at the grill — this Saturday.
If you or someone you know is a Servicemember, Veteran, or family member struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988 then pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.
