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‘A Blessing:’ Local nurse, son to race in New York City Marathon Nov. 5

LOCK HAVEN -- A local Registered Nurse and her son are making the trip of a lifetime to take part in the New York City Marathon -- and they're doing it for good causes.

Sue Packer, an RN at UPMC Haven Place and Lock Haven resident, will be taking part in one of the biggest marathons in the country on Nov. 5 alongside her son Jonathan Wolfe. Both are Lock Haven University graduates. Wolfe currently serves as a state trooper in Adams County and is a veteran who served in the Army National Guard in Iraq in the 2000s.

For Sue, running has always been a passion of hers since she was a teenager going on runs with her dad.

"I've always had a love for running but never competitively," she said.

That changed a few years back when she took part in a few local races -- such as the Rally for Recovery 5K alongside Jonathan.

During her time at Susque-View Homes she also helped coordinate its Run for Residents 5K. That's where the idea of running in the New York City Marathon began to take shape.

Sue said one of the home's residents, Anthony "Tony" Amatrudo -- also known as New York Tony -- had run in the storied marathon twice in the 1980s. And, in November of 2019, he had the chance to lead the racers at the Run for Residents race.

Sue said knowing Tony was a blessing and said he spoke highly of the New York City Marathon.

"He always encouraged me to run it," she said. "So I'm going to follow through and do it."

Sue explained she submitted her name into a lottery for a chance to earn a coveted spot in the race. However, she unfortunately didn't have her name pulled.

Lucky for both her and Jonathan, charitable organizations look for racers to fill spots while also raising money for good causes.

Sue will be racing for HeartShare Human Services of New York. According to its website, www.heartshare.org, "HeartShare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, through education, life skills and vocational training, employment, residential, case management, recreational, individual and family supports and health care services."

Sue said she chose HeartShare because of the help the organization provides to children in need and their families.

"I grew up with profound hearing loss. I know what it's like to have that barrier," she said, noting she was lucky to live in an area that was accommodating and a family who was helpful. "Everybody knows a child with a disability that inspires them to do better."

Soon enough, Jonathan chose to throw his hat in the ring and search for an organization that could use fundraising help.

According to Sue, he's run in a few marathons and has been running competitively in races of various levels for years.

Jonathan will be running in support of, and is fundraising for, American Liver Foundation.

Much like for his mother, this cause is one he holds dear -- having touched his own life.

"My father-in-law was diagnosed with liver issues and needed a transplant in order to live," he said. "I am beyond grateful for those who chose to be liver donors. He is doing great."

Jonathan said he feels it's his responsibility to help the foundation raise money to promote the education, advocacy and support services along with research for a cure for liver disease.

There's still time to donate to either cause. For more information on how to donate please contact Sue by calling or texting 570-660-3182.

Sue said she and Jonathan are grateful to have the opportunity to run the marathon and raise funds for a worthy cause.

Beyond that, she feels lucky to be able to run, period.

"I don't take it for granted... to be able to lace up my shoes and go for a run each morning is a blessing... running with my son in this marathon is a blessing. I don't take lightly the privileges I've been given," she said.

"Tony always said that the New York Marathon is like no other. I'm going to have his name on the back of my shirt while I run it," she continued.

Sue said, after Tony passed away, his family sent her his New York City Marathon hat and medals.

"He's on my mind," she said. "And it's really just an honor to run for my community, women, children and even my age group."