Alexander Jamrich, 1992-2010
The Bayou City Road Runners (BCRR) present the Alex’s 5K & Kids’ K to honor the life of Alex Jamrich. Alex, the 17 year old son of Milan Jamrich and Kathi Mahon (former BCRR club president) died unexpectedly one month short of his 18th birthday on May 15, 2010. Alex was autistic, and his death was likely due to complications associated with this disorder. Alex was Kathi and Milan’s greatest joy, but his autism their greatest challenge. Even though friends could not eliminate their pain and grief, it was agreed that something should be done in honor of Alex’s life, as well as to promote autism awareness and raise money for research and services.
The proceeds for the Eleventh Annual Alex’s 5K will go toward three Autism-related charities: Autism Speaks, Avondale House and The Westview School.
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest organization dedicated toward funding research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism. In addition, Autism Speaks works at increasing awareness and advocating for the needs of individuals and families of those with autistic disorder. To find out more about autism and Autism Speaks, go to www.autismspeaks.com
Avondale House is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency that provides, primarily, educational services to children with autism here in Houston. Avondale House operates a year-round day school, ranging in age from 3 to 21 years old. They also have a day habilitation program for young adults, where clients receive training in daily living skills and pre-vocational activities. The agency also operates several residential group homes in southwest Houston for clients who are unable to live in their own homes. Alex was a student in the day school at Avondale House for several years. To find out more about Avondale House, go to www.avondalehouse.org
The Westview School is a private, non-profit school for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder from ages 2 to 15 years in Houston. They provide a stimulating, specialized learning environment where high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder can reach their potential. Their program is comprised of two main components: academics and social communication/social skills. To find out more about The Westview School, go to www.westviewschool.org.
The autistic spectrum of disorders is very complex, the causes are still unknown, and finding appropriate care and treatment is often difficult for parents of autistic children. It is estimated that one in every 59 children will be diagnosed with autism, males are 4 times more likely than females to be diagnosed, and government statistics suggest that the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10 to 17 percent annually. On average, a child is diagnosed with autism every 20 minutes in the United States alone.
Please join the Bayou City Road Runners in supporting these causes.
For more information about the event contact info@alex5k.com