KGL5K In Iraq Results

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 When the third, and final, Kristen Grote Legacy 5K (KGL5K) kicks off on May 5, the race participants in AshCreek will be joined by a team of runners half-way across the globe.  This team, made up of more than a dozen soldiers serving in Iraq, will put down their weapons and lace up their shoes to help children here in our community.

This year, the KGL5K will benefit Jameson Ward, Comfort Zone Camp, and the Kristen Grote Legacy Memorial Fund.  Jameson is the beautiful infant daughter of Karen and Jamie Ward of AshCreek.  

Jameson was born on October 13, 2006, with a serious congenital heart defect (CHD) called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  Essentially, Jameson was born without a left ventricle. 

Jameson has proven to be a champion, fighting through two open-heart surgeries prior to her 5-month birthday.  “We are very excited for this race because we want to celebrate Jameson’s life, thank our friends and family for all the support, create awareness for congenital heart defects, and promote the local support group called Mended Little Hearts.  We are so thankful for this opportunity given to us by the Kristen Grote Legacy and the committee.” Karen Ward said.

Comfort Zone Camp^®, a fun and safe place for grieving children, is the nation's largest bereavement camp for children who have experienced the loss of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. Camps are held in Richmond, Virginia and in New Jersey, and are open to all grieving children from across the country. Comfort Zone Camp^®  is free for all campers and therefore is dependant upon donations to provide this experience. 

And finally, in an effort to touch the lives of children for many years to come, the race will benefit the Kristen Grote Memorial Fund, which was established in August 2004 to honor Kristen’s memory and to positively impact the lives of children. The memorial fund will be used for a new children’s building at Cool Spring Baptist Church, a true community center in Hanover County, welcoming more than 300 children on Sundays and more than 1,700 children each year in the Upward sports programs.

Over the last two years, the KGL5K attracted more than 1,175 participants, raising more than $44,500. One member of the satellite team who will be running the 2007 KGL5K in Iraq will be Maj. Chris Brooks, 40, from Mechanicsville.  He is an Army Reservist from 429^th QM BN, 99^th RRC.  He is the Headquarters Advisor, Executive Officer for the team, and the deciding force for establishing a satellite version of the race in the Middle East.

The KGL5LK event in AshCreek will feature moon bounces, face painting and other activities for the children, and prizes are available to participants in a variety of categories and age groups.  To learn how you can make a donation or to register for the 1 mile Family Fun Run or the 5K on May 5, visit our website at www.kgl5k.org.