"Bringing community together" – this mantra is where our entire run club began, and the two causes we're supporting truly embody this mission.

Autism Connections and Hope For HIE are organizations that bring awareness and vital resources to families affected by neurological disorders. They create the kind of supportive community that makes all the difference when families need it most.

So why did we choose these two causes? Let us share the personal story behind this decision.

Why we chose HopeforHIE?

I'm Jordan Miller, founder of KRC, and Hope For HIE holds special meaning for me and my family. In December 2023, my nephew was born and spent 52 days in the NICU before being diagnosed with HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy) – a condition caused by lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during or after birth.

In April 2024, my family and I participated in a 5K run hosted by Hope For HIE. That experience opened my eyes to the incredible community this organization has built. I felt compelled to support them in my own way – by using the running community we've created to raise awareness and give back to an organization that has brought my family together with countless others who share similar journeys.

Why we chose Autism Connection?

My name is DeAnna, Admin of KRC, and I have an amazing son named Kairo.

Last year, I began noticing changes in Kairo’s behavior, his perception of numbers and letters, and other things that made me question whether I was missing something. At our KRC Charity Drive last year, I had the opportunity to speak with a representative from Autism Connection about my concerns. She encouraged me to have Kairo evaluated, and that conversation stayed with me.

Kairo was struggling in school with outbursts and big emotions. As his mother, I often felt helpless. He would cry at the thought of going to school, and when I asked him what was wrong, he would simply say he “didn’t understand.” There is nothing harder than hearing your child express that they are struggling and not knowing exactly what they need or how to help them.

What I eventually realized was that Kairo wasn’t simply struggling to learn new information. He was trying to understand the world around him in the best way he knew how, and sometimes that didn’t translate well in an academic environment. I reached out to have him evaluated, and the results confirmed what I had been suspecting: Kairo was diagnosed with Level 2 Autism.

I immediately thought back to that conversation at the KRC Charity Drive the year before. I broke down in happy tears—not because of the diagnosis itself, but because I finally had answers. I was grateful that I had spoken up, listened to my instincts as his mother, and taken the steps necessary to get Kairo the support he needed.

I will forever be grateful for that initial conversation.

I’m thankful to be surrounded by a community that made it feel safe to speak up about my concerns. I’m grateful that other families will have the same opportunity—to find resources, make connections, ask questions, and know that they are not alone. Supporting Autism Connection means helping families like mine. It means giving parents hope when they feel helpless, providing resources when they don’t know where to turn, and helping children receive the understanding and support they deserve.

Thank you, Autism Connection, for being there when our family needed it most. Thank you for giving parents a place to ask questions and for reminding us that speaking up can change everything.

With gratitude,

A New Autism Mom 🥰

KRC Annual Charity 5k Fun Run

Team Members