Commack teacher organizes runs for those struggling with depression

A Brightwaters woman whose two sisters died after struggling with mental illness has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help others facing similar challenges.

Erin Mascaro, 43, lost her sisters, Lisa Reilly and Susanne Antolini, both of West Islip, in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Reilly battled perinatal mood disorder and a “deep depression” during her fifth year of breast cancer remission, while Antolini lived with bipolar disorder, according to Mascaro.

Their deaths inspired Mascaro last year to launch the Sounds of Silence SOS Awareness Foundation Inc., whose mission is to “connect people to valuable resources, encourage all to self-prioritize self-care and break the sounds of silence that surrounded mental illness,” according to its website.

“Mental health doesn’t discriminate no matter how armed you are with resources, awareness and education,” said Mascaro, a business teacher at Commack High School. “If we can reach one person and remind them they’re worth taking care of themselves or connect them to vital resources, our efforts are worth it.”

Mascaro began her charitable work nearly 20 years ago when she and Reilly set out to support those experiencing postpartum depression by creating an annual run/walk in partnership with the Postpartum Resource Center of New York in West Islip. Since then, there have been 17 run/walks.

The fundraiser, which has grown from dozens of participants to hundreds, has raised more than $600,000 for the Postpartum Resource Center. Last year’s event expanded to benefit additional organizations including the YMCA and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and it raised more than $50,000, according to Mascaro.

The next 5k run/walk, which includes a 10k run option, is slated for May 16. Those interested can register at soundsofsilenceny.org.

The foundation’s other efforts include “adopting” local families during the holidays, coordinating food and diaper drives to benefit the Postpartum Resource Center and offering scholarships for students “making an impact” regarding mental health or pursuing careers in the field, Mascaro said.

Floral Park resident Stephanie Lambros, a former Mascaro student who has participated in almost all of the group’s run/walk events for the past decade and has organized foundation fundraisers at CycleBar in Garden City, praised Mascaro’s work.

“Her positivity and ability to show up for herself during the hard times just speaks volumes and is so inspiring,” Lambros said. 

Mascaro was recently recognized for “outstanding service” by Suffolk County’s 11th Legislative District as part of the county’s Nonprofit Volunteer Appreciation Month.

If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.