Amy Nash’s journey to the 2025 New York City Half Marathon is more than just a personal athletic goal, it is a tribute to her late Aunt Loretta, a woman who shaped her life with love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Loretta’s influence extended far beyond her role as an aunt – she was like a second mother to Amy, offering guidance and encouragement throughout her life.
“Aunt Loretta was always there for me if I had any questions or needed advice,” says Amy.
As Amy laces up her sneakers and prepares to run through the streets of New York City, she will not only be striving to accomplish a longtime dream but also honoring the memory of the woman who had an enduring impact on her.
In 2013, after a routine physical exam, Loretta Riley was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she entered and stayed in remission for six years. Sadly, Loretta passed away on February 6, 2020. Now, five years after her passing, Amy is preparing to run the half marathon in their shared hometown to honor her aunt’s memory.
Amy’s Running Journey
For Amy, running is more than a physical activity – it has been a transformative part of her life. She first started running in 1996 when she joined the army, but it wasn’t until later, during her weight loss journey, that running became a passion. What began with 5Ks and 10Ks soon turned into Amy’s decision to skip over the half marathon distance and jump straight into her first full marathon – the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego in 2010. That same year, she ran the Augusta Half Marathon. Her second was the Love Chocolate Half Marathon in Savannah, Georgia. Amy recently ran her second full marathon, the Every Woman’s Marathon, also in Savannah this past November. The New York City Half Marathon will be Amy’s third half marathon.
For Amy, running represents far more than just physical endurance – it is a way to prove to herself that she is capable of achieving more than she thought possible. She often surprises herself with the paces she can sustain and the distances she can cover.
“It seems too hard until I do it,” says Amy.
She credits much of her determination to her Aunt Loretta, who was always there to provide words of encouragement and support.
Loretta’s Legacy
Loretta’s influence on Amy cannot be overstated. One of the most impactful moments in their relationship occurred when Amy was struggling with self-doubt about applying to nursing school. While Amy was nervous she would not get in, Loretta, always confident in her niece’s abilities, lovingly dismissed her doubts and teasingly scolded her for procrastinating. Whenever she faces moments of doubt now, she hears her aunt’s voice in her head, pushing her to keep going. “If I doubt myself, I automatically hear Aunt Loretta,” says Amy. This connection to Loretta and the memory of her unwavering faith in her has been a driving force in Amy’s life, particularly as she prepares for the New York City Half Marathon.
On race day, Amy will carry powerful reminders of her Aunt Loretta with her. She wears the purple ribbon pin that Loretta gave her on every training run. As an anxious runner, Amy finds comfort and focus in the pin, which symbolizes not only the cause she is running for, but also the bond she shares with her aunt that will help carry her across the finish line.
It also reminds her: “I still get to have a bad run day.” For Amy, having the opportunity to run is a gift. This mantra helps her stay centered on days when her run isn’t going as planned.
Amy’s running playlist includes “Hold On” by Yolanda Adams, a song that was Loretta’s ringtone. Every time Amy hears it, she is reminded of her aunt’s determination, and it inspires her to persevere, no matter what challenges life may throw her way.
For Amy, “Aunt Loretta and death felt like oxymorons.” Loretta was a headstrong, vibrant woman. “Aunt Loretta lived her life to the fullest,” Amy recalls, reflecting on her aunt’s adventurous spirit. An avid traveler, Loretta explored many parts of the world, and Amy often goes through her aunt’s many photo albums.
Crossing the Finish Line for Loretta
Channeling her aunt’s fighting spirit, Amy is running the half marathon to raise awareness and fight back against pancreatic cancer. She discovered Project Purple when she was researching charities to run for.
“It was the best of both worlds,” Amy explains.
She is able to honor Loretta’s life by raising funds for pancreatic cancer research and patient support, while also channeling her passion for running into something meaningful that ties back to the city they both loved.
The New York City Half Marathon will not just be a physical challenge – it will be a reflection of the love and gratitude she has for her Aunt Loretta. With every mile, Amy will carry Loretta’s memory, using her strength to push through the race. On March 16, 2025, Amy will run not just for herself, but for Loretta, her number one fan, who continues to inspire and guide her.
To support Amy Nash and her fundraising goals, click here to donate to her page.
If you’d like to run or participate in an event of your own for Project Purple, visit our events page.
