Run: An Interview with Callie Patteson
By Amy Rushton | News | March 4, 2024
Cover Illustration: Photo of people in a marathon, 2019. RUN 4 FFWPU / Pexels
In an interview with Callie Patteson, News Reporter Amy Rushton reports on the virtual run held by the James W. Foley Freedom Society, raising awareness for journalist safety.
The James W. Foley Freedom Society was established in honor of James Foley (1973–2014), an American journalist killed overseas by ISIS whose legacy has since inspired campaigns for journalist safety and hostage advocacy. For the ninth year in a row, the organization has hosted a virtual run to raise awareness and gather support. James Foley’s story has touched many hearts, including those of a handful of Amsterdam residents who participated in the 2023 run.
Callie Patteson, a former master’s student at the University of Amsterdam who worked as an intern for the organization, spoke to The Amsterdammer about the run and its impact.
The 9th Annual James W. Foley Freedom Run took place this October. Could you tell us more about the run and what it stands for?
The James W. Foley Freedom Run is held every year in honor of the late American journalist James W. Foley from Rochester, New Hampshire. The home base run is held in his hometown, but hundreds of people join “virtually” by organizing their own runs across the world. Some create official teams and events, and some individuals just run by themselves, even if they are in London, Paris, or Washington D.C. It is also held in remembrance of all Americans who have been killed overseas — either in the military, while working as journalists, or as an American hostage. The organization says it is in honor of all those “who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.”
How and why did you become involved with the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation?
I grew up knowing James Foley, as our families attended the same Catholic Church in Rochester for years. When I was in high school, Foley returned from Libya where he had been captured and shared his story with the congregation. At the same time, he felt called to return to the region to help tell the stories of those who couldn’t tell them themselves. He returned not long after and was captured again in Syria. When I was 16 years old and driving home from school with my brother, we found out Foley had been killed by ISIS. Our family remained closely connected with the Foley family’s initiative for years, with my dad working on the board. When I was in college, I ultimately worked as an intern for the foundation for a year.
“Journalist safety is important now more than ever as reporters, photojournalists, broadcasters and freelancers face dangers working in the field. Dozens are being placed in harm’s way, being injured, and even dying just for doing their job” – Callie Patteson
How did you help in organizing the run?
All I did was reach out to my friends to see if they wanted to join me! I run this 5k every year, no matter where I am, just as a reminder for why I got into journalism in the first place.
The virtual run adds a global dimension. What is the importance of international involvement?
James Foley was a freelance journalist with friends and family all over the globe. I think his death had a profound impact on thousands of people familiar with his work. By having this global dimension, journalists, writers and others won’t forget the work he did and why he did it. He was willing to sacrifice his life in order to help those who needed it.
What impact do you hope this year’s run will have?
I’m not sure to be honest, I guess sharing the organization and their work with new friends and colleagues.
As a journalist yourself, how do you think the issue of journalist safety has impacted, and continues to impact, the industry?
Journalist safety is important now more than ever as reporters, photojournalists, broadcasters and freelancers face dangers working in the field. Dozens are being placed in harm’s way, being injured, and even dying just for doing their job. Look at the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas: the Committee to Protect Journalists estimates that as of November 2023, at least 57 journalists and media workers had died covering the horrific ground assaults. Eleven more have been injured, at least 3 are missing, and 19 others have been reported arrested. Coverage of these attacks in Gaza is absolutely necessary as Palestinians in the region have seen their internet access cut off. It is heartbreaking to see these lives lost in the crossfire and more needs to be done to protect future journalists working in these current and future conflicts. Maybe that is through curriculums like the one created by the James W. Foley Freedom Society, through activist events like the run or actual institutional changes at media organizations. I’m not sure what the right answer is right now, but I do know that what is happening now isn’t working.
How has your time studying at UvA inspired you in your activism?
It’s hard to say whether UvA has directly inspired me, as much of my involvement with this organization and others started much earlier when I was in high school and studying to receive my bachelor’s degree. I believe my time here has allowed me to share these types of organizations and events with people who may not have heard about them before, and maybe they can then share it with someone new as well.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would encourage everyone to look into the James W. Foley Foundation and hopefully be inspired to run the simple 5k next year!
The 10th Annual James W. Foley Freedom Run will take place October 19, 2024.
Amy Rushton is a university student in Amsterdam. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Amsterdammer.
