The Legacy of Amy Dunn
Camryn Edens
WHO SHE WAS
Amy Dunn was known for her quick wit, generous spirit and ability to make everyone around her laugh. She had a way of making people feel seen and valued, whether through a kind word, a joke, or one of her famously-thoughtful gifts. Amy paid attention to the smallest details about the people she loved and remembered them. Every present she gave felt deeply personal, a reflection of how much she cared about others. Those close to her often described her as the kind of friend everyone hoped to have.
Amy’s passions stretched far beyond one activity. She loved soccer, piano, basketball, volleyball, running, cycling and nearly every snow sport imaginable. Being active was not just something she enjoyed, it was a core part of who she was. Whether she was competing, training or simply spending time outdoors with friends and family, Amy approached life with energy and enthusiasm.
Outside of sports, Amy dedicated much of her free time to helping others. She volunteered with Make-A-Wish, where she brought joy and encouragement to children and families facing difficult circumstances. Serving others came naturally to her, and her impact reached far beyond the field.
THE STORY
Amy’s love for athletics shaped much of her life. After graduating from Timberline High School, she continued her education and soccer career at Boise State University. From 2000 to 2003, Amy played defender for the Broncos’ women’s soccer team, earning letterwinner honors in all four years of her collegiate career.
Teammates and coaches remembered Amy as one of the most dependable players they had ever seen. She led through consistency, determination and action. Her commitment to her teammates never wavered, and she became a role model for younger players in the program. During her career, Amy appeared in all 73 matches for Boise State, setting a program record at the time for matches played.
But Amy’s influence extended well beyond soccer. She graduated with degrees in Biology and K-12 Physical Education, driven by a desire to inspire and mentor young people. After graduation, she became a P.E. teacher at Centennial High School, where she shared her passion for movement, teamwork and healthy living with her students. Those who knew her say Amy brought the same positivity and encouragement into the classroom that she brought onto the soccer field.
THE BATTLE WITH CANCER
In 2004, Amy received her first cancer diagnosis after doctors discovered a cancerous mole. She underwent surgery to remove the melanoma as well as several lymph nodes. At the time, it appeared she had overcome the disease.
Years later, in July 2011, Amy received devastating news. The cancer had returned, this time as Stage IV melanoma. Despite the diagnosis, Amy faced the challenge with remarkable strength and optimism. Friends and family recall that she remained positive even during the hardest moments, determined to continue fighting with courage and grace.
In August 2011, Amy and her family traveled to Scottsdale for treatment at the Mayo Clinic. For months, she endured treatments while continuing to inspire those around her with her resilience. Tragically, in March 2012, doctors discovered that the melanoma had spread to her brain, leaving no remaining treatment options.
Amy and her family returned home to Boise, where she passed away on March 21, 2012, at just 29 years old. Though her life was far too short, the impact she made on her family, friends, teammates, students and community would continue long after her passing.
THE HONOR
About a year and a half after Amy’s death, the Boise State women’s soccer program chose to honor her legacy in a permanent way by retiring her jersey number, 14. Current head coach Jim Thomas, though he never had the chance to coach Amy personally, understood how much she meant to the program and wanted future generations to recognize her influence.
I’m fortunate enough to sit in a chair that enables me to recognize the truly impactful and important members of our Bronco family. Amy’s story as a competitor, Boise native and the influence she’s had on everyone she has, and continues to touch, is something that defines our program.Jim Thomas
On October 4, 2013, during halftime of Boise State’s match against Wyoming, Amy’s number was officially retired. The ceremony became an emotional tribute to her life, character and lasting impact on the university community. Her parents, who had faithfully attended every game throughout her career, were there to witness the moment.
The honor was historic for Boise State Athletics, as Amy became only the second athlete in school history to have a jersey number retired, following former football player Jim McMillan.
RUN FOR DUNN
In the months before Amy passed away, a small group of people came together with one goal, to surround Amy and her family with as much love and support as possible. The committee was led by Libby Kamen (Johnson) and included Boise State soccer alumni, Maureen Bower (Shea) and Kristin Sword (Hall), who wanted to help offset the overwhelming costs of treatment.
Although Amy did not live to see the first event, the inaugural Run for Dunn was held on June 2, 2013, just one day after what would have been her 30th birthday. What began as a fundraiser soon transformed into something much larger. Now, it’s a powerful community event focused on honoring Amy’s memory while raising awareness about melanoma and sun safety.
Year after year, Run for Dunn continued to grow. Friends, family members, former teammates and community supporters gathered not only to remember Amy, but to educate others about the dangers of skin cancer. The event eventually partnered with Mountain Pine Dermatology and St. Luke’s Cancer Institute to provide free skin cancer screenings for participants.
It’s an opportunity to actually get a full body skin check from a licensed dermatologist. Doing that every year is imperative to your health. We’re really proud to offer that to the community at a super low cost.Libby Kamen
According to the Cancer Data Registry of Idaho, melanoma rates in Idaho are among the highest in the nation, with cases occurring at rates roughly 50% higher than the national average. Idaho also ranks first in the country for deaths caused by melanoma, making awareness and prevention efforts especially important.
Even as the event has expanded, organizers say growth has never been the ultimate goal. Instead, Run for Dunn exists to keep Amy’s memory alive and to help others avoid the same tragedy. At its heart, the event remains rooted in friendship, community and education.
Kamen emphasized that the mission is simple. It encourages people to protect themselves from the sun, wear sunscreen and prioritize yearly skin checks.
We’re really proud of the cause because it’s really cool to see all sorts of people there for all different reasons.Libby Kamen
Through Run for Dunn, Amy’s legacy continues to inspire action, awareness and compassion. More than a decade after her passing, her story still brings people together, not only to remember who she was, but to protect others in her honor.
TAKE ACTION
This year’s Run for Dunn is scheduled for May 31 at Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park in Boise. Marking the 14th annual event, this one holds extra significance as it matches the number Amy represented as a Bronco.
The Run for Dunn is the epitome of a Boise community event. It brings together Boise State athletics, care for others and the celebration of an incredible person we've lost, all in a way that benefits those around us. Amy touched many people's hearts during her time here and continues to impact future generations by raising awareness about melanoma and reminding us of the importance of family, community and connection.Jim Thomas
The run features an approximately 3-mile course and is open to all ages and experience levels, with no timing chips.
Adult registration is $35, while children 12 and under are $20. Free skin cancer screenings from licensed dermatologists will be available to all participants, as well as a t-shirt.
Parts of the proceeds from the Run for Dunn benefit the Amy Dunn #14 Endowment Scholarship through the Bronco Athletic Association. Use promo code VARSITYB for $5 off registration.
Registration and additional information are available at getitdunn.org.