Kelsey Taricani ran the 2025 New York City Half Marathon with Project Purple in honor of her late mother, Christine Riesbeck.
The Healing Power of Running
From high school track meets to a fun pastime in college, running has been a constant part of Kelsey’s life. Although she stepped away from running for a while, Kelsey rediscovered her love for it in the last couple of years. Running has moved beyond just being a form of exercise, for Kelsey, it has transformed into a “great mental health outlet.”
When Kelsey’s mom passed away in 2022 after a hard-fought 13-year battle with pancreatic cancer, running became a way to grieve, reflect, and honor the incredible woman who shaped her life. “Running gave me a space to think,” says Kelsey. “It gave me time to process everything and come to terms with losing her.”
Christine’s Lasting Life Lessons
Christine was more than a parent, she was a role model who emphasized the importance of independence and stability. As a special education teacher for over 15 years, she had a knack for teaching life lessons – sometimes in ways Kelsey and her brother didn’t fully appreciate until adulthood.
Whether it was teaching her children how to cook, having them clean their bedrooms, or temporarily confiscating their phones to ensure their homework got done, Christine was always preparing her children.
“She was always there for us, but she also made sure we were prepared for the real world,” says Kelsey. “A lot of what I value in myself as an adult, I see in her. I feel very well set up as an adult.” Christine knew she wasn’t going to always be around, and she made sure to give her children every tool for success.
Defying the Odds
Kelsey treasures the time she had with her mom. Diagnosed when Kelsey was only 13, her mom defied the odds, living long enough to see her graduate both high school and college, as well as meeting her now-husband.
Her gratitude for those years inspired Kelsey’s commitment to Project Purple’s mission to raise money for pancreatic cancer research and patient aid. Kelsey’s father persistently advocated for the new treatments and therapies that gave his wife those treasured years.
Kelsey remembers there was a treatment that was not covered by their insurance. Her father, determined to get this treatment for Christine, wrote a letter to their pharmacy and insurance company. His dedication paid off as they soon got access to the previously unavailable treatment.
Celebrating Christine
Thinking about cancer the first year after her mom’s passing was incredibly difficult for Kelsey. “It was really hard for the first year to be able to even think about pancreatic cancer in general,” she says. Now, three years later, Kelsey has completed the New York City Half Marathon in her mom’s honor.
Kelsey knew she wanted to run with Project Purple when she realized how grateful she was for her able body and the importance of spreading awareness.
She couldn’t have been more excited for the New York City Half Marathon in March – her first charity race. “It’s the perfect way to honor my mom,” she says. “I’ve watched the NYC races on TV and always loved the energy and positivity. To be a part of it, running with Project Purple, feels so special.”
She had completed the Hartford Marathon prior to New York City and had to get back into her training routine as she prepared for the March race. The training process was a joy for Kelsey. “The runs are my time to reflect, process, and feel connected to my mom,” she explains.
Fundraising for Project Purple was also a meaningful experience, providing Kelsey with a source of community. She had been reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues while planning bake sales, football squares, and other activities to boost her efforts. To her surprise, people she hasn’t spoken to in years – and even strangers – reached out to support her cause.
Kelsey was excited to experience firsthand the energy and crowds the New York City Half Marathon brings. She was especially excited for the last few miles, knowing that’s where the bigger crowds gather and get loud. The race fell on St. Patrick’s Day weekend this year, and Kelsey was excited to see what New York City had in store for the holiday.
As she reflects on her journey, Kelsey is filled with gratitude – not just for the opportunity to have run in the race but to keep her mom’s memory alive.
When Kelsey crossed the finish line in March, it wasn’t just another race completed, it was a celebration of her mom’s legacy and a step forward in her mission to spread awareness and hope.
Kelsey’s next big race with Project Purple will be the New York City Marathon in November. To support Kelsey Taricani 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.
