Big turnout for race in Holley in memory of Andie Carpenter
Provided photos
HOLLEY – More than 200 people attended a 5K run and 1 mile walk on Saturday in Holley in memory of Andie Carpenter.
Andie, 20, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 31. She was in her last semester at North Country Community College in Saranac Lake. She died after an artery ruptured.
Andie wasn’t diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome until she was 15. That diagnosis followed years of doctor visits when Andie and her family knew something was wrong. She bruised easily. Her skin stretched far more than a typical person’s.
Andie, despite the effects of Ehlers-Danlos, ran cross country for Holley. Saturday’s race went by the Holley waterfalls, which was one of her favorite spots.
Her family and friends have formed the Adventuresinlove4Andie Memorial Fund as an official 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.
Some of the participants make heart shapes with their hands in memory of Andie Carpenter.
Andie enjoyed photography and taking hikes in nature. She wanted to be a 46er, climbing all of the mountain peaks in the Adirondacks. She was partway on that goal.
Andie researched her college major, and picked the rigorous radiological technology program. She did her training at the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, Canton-Potsdam Hospital and the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.
Brian Bartalo, Holley Central School superintendent, participated in the event, and sprinted to the finish line.
McKenzie Hill was the first recipient of the Andie Mae Carpenter Memorial Award during Holley’s graduation on June 29. McKenzie submitted photos in the scholarship application which showed what “adventures in love” mean to her.
There will be an “Andie Cup” on Aug. 25 at Genesee Community College in Batavia, featuring GCC against North Country Community College. Andie’s father Josh Carpenter was an assistant soccer coach at GCC. Andie attended North Country Community College. There will be jerseys and bracelets for sale at the event to benefit the Adventuresinlove4Andie Memorial Fund.
