Michelle Banchi
From: Mansfield, MA
What do you do for a living? I am a Senior Strategic Account Manager at Enterprise Holdings. My focus is to help grow, maintain, and support some of our largest strategic accounts to enhance revenues and provide a superior level of support.
How did you first connect with Herren Project? I heard about the Herren Project through a family friend & Herren Project Ambassador, Caitlin Martin who has been involved in the organization for a while now. She encouraged me to check out the Herren Project after losing my older brother, Jason. After doing more research, I registered for Grief Group and within hours I received a call from Rebecca Helman. She welcomed me with open arms to her Tuesday Night Grief Support Group, where I’ve finally been able to talk about the pain of losing a loved one, and be reminded to always be kind to myself. This organization has changed my life in so many ways and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.
What is your interest in/connection to recovery? On May 3, 2017, my world came crashing down when I lost Jason to substance abuse. I lost my best friend, sidekick, protector from monsters, and most importantly my big brother- someone that I always looked up to. I turned to running as an outlet and way to grieve his loss. In May 2021, only a few weeks after Jason’s four-year anniversary, I reached out to Pam Rickard to express interest in running the Falmouth Road Race and 2021 Boston Marathon with Herren Project. While the marathon team was full, Pam welcomed me to the Falmouth Road Race team and the Herren family. On the bus ride to Falmouth, I told Pam that my dream was to run the Boston Marathon someday. Just 8 months later, my dream came true. I toed the starting line at the 2022 Boston Marathon representing Team Herren Project, wore Jason’s name proudly on my back, and crossed the finish line in his memory.
Who is someone who inspires you? I am fortunate enough to have two people who inspire me: my mom and dad. My mom is the strongest woman that I have ever met. She is my best friend and biggest cheerleader who waits at the finish lines with open arms, she picks me up when things get tough, and she wears her heart on her sleeve. She will forever be my “Mumma.” My dad is my world. He has worked so hard to give our family everything we needed, and has always put us first. He is my hero who has supported me through every obstacle that life throws my way, he will hug me a little longer anytime I need it, and has always encouraged me that there’s nothing I can’t do. I will forever be “Daddy’s Girl.” My parents raised us to be the best that we could be and for that, I am forever grateful.
What’s your favorite pastime or hobby? I have grown to love running, and enjoy spending time with my loved ones, especially my parents and dog Rey, who I call my “Rey of Sunshine.” I enjoy the beach and the peace it brings me while I listen to all the sounds of the ocean.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the woman that I have become over the last few years. There were some challenges, but with guidance from loved ones, I was able to push myself well beyond my comfort zone and do things that I never imagined doing. I set goals that led to some of my biggest achievements to date—including running the 2022 Boston Marathon. Most importantly, I am proud of myself for finding a love for running, because it has provided me with a healthy way to process the grief of losing Jason.
What does serving as a Herren Project Ambassador mean to you? Being an Ambassador for Herren Project is such an honor. Herren Project gave me a safe space to grieve the loss of a loved one and helped me cope with the impact this disease has had on my life. I am so grateful for every member of the Herren Project and the programs that are offered. I’ve received an enormous amount of love and support from my Tuesday Night Grief Group, led by Rebecca Helman, and those I’ve met through various events. Being a Herren Project Ambassador gives me the opportunity to raise awareness for substance abuse, and show support for those individuals struggling, the family and friends who support their loved ones battle, and those family and friends who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Most importantly, I am honoring Jason, my guardian angel, and I know he would be so proud of me.
