BIAU 5k

At 6:30 this morning I dragged Chris out of bed so we could do some good. I really wanted to do this race, but didn't make the final decision until Thursday night, so we were one of those annoying onsite registrants. This is a cause that I have come to believe in and has become close to my heart. My friend Meghan is fantastic, this year she was on the race committee. I used to work with her doing conferences at the U, and while I don't talk to her much since I left, she is one of my favorite people. In January of 2008 Meghan's happy, smiley, crawling nephew got an ear infection that turned into meningitis. After just 2 days of the meningitis he sustained severe brain damage. He spent over three months in Primary Childrens ICU. A blog was started so that friends and family could be updated with what was going on. It soon spread to hundreds of people falling in love with this little guy and receiving inspiration from him. Including me. If you want to check out his blog, it is charliecooperjackjack.blogspot.com.

Below is an exerpt from his blog:

This is a family assignment Charlie had for 2008- Rob thought I should include it...
Things I’ve (Re)Learned This Year

–Charlie Cooper- age 20 months

I re-learned how to see and to recognize what I’m seeing.

I am also working on re-learning how to move my eyes together and to the left. It’s sort of difficult.

I’ve learned that you can reach decibels never before known and it doesn’t even have to hurt your own ears.

I re-learned to lift my head to the right.

I learned to work hard because the littlest things can be really difficult.

I re-learned how to swallow and gag so now I get to taste some food.

I learned how to be heard not just seen.

I learned how to get my way and be held as often as possible.

I learned how many people love me.

I learned to inspire people without saying a word.

I learned I am a small and simple thing but I can make great things happen.

I re-learned to relax (my hands at least).

I learned to have great diaper blowouts.

I learned just how much my dad loves me by making him consider things he never would before (give suppositories & consider buying a van)

I have learned that happy hour is at 10pm not 5pm.

I learned to bite hard if something is in your mouth.

I learned that with a crooked smile you can melt anyone’s heart.

I learned to talk to the Angels.

(Christmas 2007)

(Primary Childrens Medical Center)

(Last year's BIAU 5k)

BIAU is the Brain Injury Association of Utah. It is a really small non-profit organization that does great things like bringing awareness & support to people about brain injuries. They also talk to local elementary schools about the Head Smart program, which talks to kids about the importance of wearing helmets during recreational activities. While Charlie's brain injury was unpreventable, 1 million children receive brain injuries each year and most are. To get more information, go to biau.org. I forgot my camera at the event, but took a couple photos when we got home. Sally joined us in the race and was great at the park around the other dogs.