WESTBOROUGH – For Karen Amlaw, running has become about much more than crossing the finish line.
The Westborough resident and Project Purple Ambassador will take on the SoNo Half Marathon this fall, dedicating the 13.1-mile race to the memory of her mentor and close friend, Maestro Steven Crawford, who passed away from stage IV pancreatic cancer on July 5th.
Amlaw said Crawford, a former Metropolitan Opera conductor, played a pivotal role in her singing career and became one of the most influential people in her life. After his diagnosis in 2025, she searched for a way to turn her grief into action.
“I only had a week, but I was determined to raise as much as I could,” Amlaw said of her first Project Purple fundraiser. “Running that race and the relationship I now had with people from Project Purple… transformed my mindset from hopeless to hopeful.”
Since then, Amlaw has raised awareness and thousands of dollars for pancreatic cancer research while participating in races throughout New England, often dressed as encouraging characters she creates to motivate fellow runners.
This year’s SoNo Half Marathon marks her longest race yet and carries special meaning. She is hoping to raise $3,000, with proceeds supporting Project Purple’s mission to fund pancreatic cancer research and provide financial aid to patients and their families. Project Purple has invested millions of dollars into pancreatic cancer research and patient assistance programs, helping families across the country.
While preparing for the race, Amlaw continues to honor Crawford’s legacy through every mile she runs.
“On July 5th, 2026 Maestro Steven Crawford earned his purple wings peacefully in his sleep,” she said. “And so, instead of wishing him a happy birthday as I run the SoNo Half Marathon, I will forever be running in his memory.”
Amlaw hopes her journey reminds others that pancreatic cancer patients and their families are not alone.
“Always have HOPE and Never Give Up… Together we CAN create a world without pancreatic cancer.”
To learn more about Karen Amlaw’s Project Purple fundraising efforts or to make a donation, visit her ambassador page.
For the full interview with Karen Amlaw, check it out here.
