By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/26/25 – The Boston Marathon is more than a race, it’s a global symbol of perseverance, community, and the power of human spirit. This year, The Hollywood Times and Aspiring Magazine sat down with someone who embodies all of those qualities: Melissa Rousselle, a dedicated charity runner and vocal mental-health advocate from Haverhill, Massachusetts.
Although she humbly clarifies that she doesn’t “oversee” the Boston Marathon, Melissa plays a different but equally meaningful role: elevating charities, supporting fellow runners, and giving back through her miles. As she prepares for her third Boston Marathon, she shared her inspiring journey, her advocacy work with Rebekah’s Angels Foundation, and her message to every person who has ever dreamed of crossing that legendary finish line on Boylston Street.
When asked what makes the Boston Marathon so uniquely powerful, Melissa didn’t hesitate.
“For me, it’s all about giving back,” she said. “Running Boston is every runner’s dream… but running it for a cause adds so much meaning. It becomes more than a personal achievement; it becomes something that helps people in ways you may never fully see.”
As a charity runner, Melissa has already completed the Boston Marathon twice. In 2025, she returns for her third run, this time representing Rebekah’s Angels Foundation, an organization founded by Rebekah Gregory, a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Rebekah was standing just three feet from one of the bombs when it exploded. Shielding her young son with her body, she suffered severe physical injuries. Both mother and child also endured deep emotional trauma. Her experience ultimately led to the creation of Rebekah’s Angels, which now provides mental health treatment resources specifically for children and families affected by trauma.
“That mission resonates with me deeply,” Melissa shared. “I suffer from depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, and over the years I’ve become a vocal advocate for mental health. Crossing that finish line represents so much more than a race. It’s symbolic of what we overcome as human beings.”
Melissa didn’t begin running until she turned 40.
“I wanted to run a 5K, and I was thrilled when I finished it,” she said with a smile. “Then it became a 10K, then a half marathon… and soon I was signing up for the Boston Marathon in 2019.”
Now, approaching her 50th birthday, she’s celebrating the milestone the best way she knows how: qualified by acceptance to a charity team and running the 2024 and 2025 Boston Marathons.
Her message for aspiring runners?
“Have faith in your ability. You can surprise yourself with what you’re capable of, at any age and under any circumstance.”
She’s seen runners with prosthetics, handcycles, mobility limitations, and those battling internal struggles, but they keep showing up. And so does she.
“A marathon is mind, body, and spirit together,” she said. “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about believing that you can do it.”
As a charity runner, Melissa is aiming high again this year.
Her goal: raise $15,000 for Rebekah’s Angels Foundation.
Just four days after launching her fundraising site, MelRuns4Hope.com, she was already nearing 30% of her goal.
Supporters can also learn about the foundation at RebekahsAngels.org (spelled with a K, as she pointed out during the interview).
In addition to her personal fundraising, Melissa is also the founder of the Boston Charity Runners Facebook group, which has now grown to more than 4,500 members. The group provides guidance, camaraderie, and real-life support for anyone curious about charity running or seeking a path into the Boston Marathon.
“It’s another way to learn about what it means to run for a cause,” she said. “Everyone is welcome.”
Before we wrapped, I told Melissa how inspiring it was to meet her virtually, and how proud we are to share her story with our audience.
“Good luck,” I told her. “Keep up the great work.”
With her passion, determination, and generous spirit, Melissa Rousselle is exactly the kind of runner who reminds the world why the Boston Marathon is more than historic, it’s human.
Learn More & Support
- rebekahsangels.org
- melruns4hope.com
- link to Boston Charity Runners Facebook group: https://www.facebook.
com/groups/1141907509898898
