Karen Amlaw (a.k.a. Hopeful Helen)

Last February my world as I knew it was significantly changed when someone very influential in my life was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. 2025 has been a roller coaster of a year, but he's still fighting and I'm supporting him all the way.

In fall of 2023 I had returned to daily walking for personal health reasons . . . walking had become trotting . . . and trotting had become running not just for me, but for others as well.

Only a few days before St. Patrick's Day last year, I learned about Project Purple's Purple Paddy virtual 5K and I immediately jumped on board. I only had about a week to raise donations, but I was going to do the best I could in that time. Running that race changed my mindset from hopeless to hopeful . . . I'd been searching for a way that I could do something to help, and this race became step one of what has become one of my life's missions.

On Sunday, March 15th I will once again be trotting out Hopeful Helen to go green for Project Purple and their fight for a world without pancreatic cancer . . . running the Guinness Celtic 5K in Worcester, MA . . . continuing to help raise awareness of Pancreatic Cancer on behalf of all those who are battling this silent killer (along with the families and friends who support them) as part of Purple Paddy's virtual 5K 2026. I will also be singing the National Anthem to kick off this race . . . If you're running or attending this race (or the Worcester St. Patrick's Day parade, which will immediately follow the race along the same route) be sure to stop by my Project Purple Purple Paddy 5K table . . . I'll be there before the race begins and then a half hour later (give or take) after my run through the parade!

My friend (and the many others like you), you know who you are; and you and those around you are not alone!

To make donations toward this valuable fundraiser and bring hope to all those affected click here:  Support Karen Amlaw (a.k.a. Hopeful Helen) - Purple Paddy's 5k 2026 | PledgeIt for Charities.

Note: This year I've even collected a few prizes from local area businesses. Those who donate $25 or more will be entered into a raffle for those prizes. Donate $50 or more and you'll receive 3 raffle entries. Raffle winners to be drawn on St. Patrick's Day (March 17).

For more about my past and upcoming Project Purple endeavors, as well as the specifics on this spring's ever growing list of raffle prizes visit https://www.karenamlaw.com/Project-Purple-Ambassador-Karen-Amlaw.html

Thank you in advance for your support.

- Karen