A Journey Complete

Amy Low

January 12, 1971 – November 27, 2024

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.”

– Philippians 4:8-9

Amy Low passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

She was a beloved sister to Steve and Mindy; sister-in-law to Julie and Kyle; daughter to Marie and Stan; aunt to Andrew, Hannah, Hailey, Sydney, and Ashlyn; esteemed colleague at Emerson Collective, dedicated to meaningful work; friend to so many; and most importantly, mom to Connor and Lucy.

Amy lived a life committed to justice, truth, and storytelling. She was always ready to discuss the latest headlines and had a passion for crafting narratives that inspired others to action. Her days often involved immersing herself in historical novels, binge-watching political dramas, or planning trips to educate her children and nieces about democracy's roots.

Born in San Diego, Amy excelled in academics and discovered her love for words early on. She studied English and history at Westmont College, where she served as editor of the school newspaper and fearlessly addressed campus injustices. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., driven by determination and a desire to be close to the action, launching her life of advocacy.

Amy began her career in issue-based advocacy at Porter Novelli and later spent nearly a decade with GMMB, where she worked with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance education reform, early learning, and family homelessness solutions. As Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer at Landesa, she championed rural poverty reduction through land rights.

However, it was at Emerson Collective, where she managed the fellowship portfolio and nonprofit journalism grants, that Amy truly found her calling. There, she made persuasive cases for education reform, immigration, and climate change, demonstrating that progress is always possible.

Amy's determination, grit, and perseverance defined her life. Her work took her around the globe, gathering stories and amplifying voices to inspire others. She thrived on solving mysteries, strategizing through challenges, and analyzing obstacles to find the best way forward.

In July 2019, Amy faced her greatest challenge: Stage IV metastatic colon cancer. She chronicled her journey through surgeries, treatments, and triumphs with grace, ultimately capturing it all in her memoir, The Brave In Between: Notes from the Last Room, published in June 2024. Reflecting on her writing, she often said, “I’ve said everything in my book.”

In the book’s final pages, Amy left us with this poignant reflection:

“And now I know all these moments, illuminated by an ancient letter, are miraculous preludes to what awaits me after this room. The scriptures tell us that Isaiah prophesied this:

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

This room is bringing me ever closer to the greatest truth of all: the kingdom after this room has no disease, no tears, no fear. The longer I spend in the last room, the more I understand it’s a magnificent bridge, because with every step through this brave-in-between place, an enduring truth is revealed: chaos has no place here. Only purpose, only an invitation to draw closer to these lights that will unveil a story beyond our imaginations.

The flickers of light that guide our time through all the rooms of our lives illuminate our way, but they do something more. They enchant. They create a stirring—a desire to fall in love with this promise: You are healed. You are loved. Your story is just beginning. Come and see.

– The Brave In Between: Notes from the Last Room

Amy’s words live on, inspiring all who read them. She was a beacon of courage, hope, and love—a life beautifully lived, now carried forward in the hearts of all who knew her.

In honor her memory and her life’s work a memorial fund has been established in Amy’s name through the Colorectal Cancer Alliance: https://impact.ccalliance.org/fundraiser/5953953

Please join us to commemorate her life, and bear witness to the resurrection on January 4, 2025 at 1 PM at La Jolla Presbyterian Church https://ljpres.org/