The Pell City High School Key Club held its 4th annual 5k Color Run fundraiser at Lakeside Park, Pell City last Saturday to benefit Rett Syndrome research organizations. 

Kyle Shelton, the faculty advisor for the PCHS Key Club, provided the purple powder, the shirts and medals.

“Beyond that,” Shelton said, “the kids get all the credit.”

Eighteen-year-old Jonathan Kay, The PCHS Key Club president, said he loves putting on the event. He’s been a supporter since his freshman year. He’s a senior now.

“It’s a great way to bring awareness to the community and I look forward to having more people next year,”  Kay said.

In addition Kay said he saw all 72 Key Club members at some point during the three-hour fundraiser.

Kaylie Adcox, a 2017 graduate of PCHS, is the creator of the fundraiser. She came up with the idea during her sophomore year to raise awareness of Rett Syndrome. She was inspired by Henry and Bennett Fisher, who hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2015 to support Adcox’s sister, Julie Grace Carrol, who is affected by Rett Syndrome. 

According to rettsyndrome.org, Rett syndrome is a unique developmental disorder that is first recognized in infancy and seen almost always in girls, but can be rarely seen in boys. Rett syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion.

“The Carroll Family and Rett Syndrome community would like to thank the PCHS Key  Club and all the sponsors of the 4th Annual Run for all the support in funding a cure for this debilitating disorder,” said Melanie Alexander Carroll, mother of Julie Grace.

Runner Joe Brock has been in the marathon for two years.

“It’s for a great cause,” said Brock.  “I’ll do it every year as long as they hold it.”

Even though the weather was breezy and cold, it didn’t seem to phase the passionate runners from crossing the finish line. The Finishers were greeted with purple powder as a celebration. Some crossed together, while some crossed individually.

The winners are: 12 and under winners male: Anthony Stocks, Kaleb Pate, Mason Underwood; 12 and under winners Female: Katie Boyle, Mackenzie Spradlin, Ashley Gillhim; 13-20 male: Christian Elliott, Michael Stocks, Charley Rogers; 13-20 Female: Anna Hodgens, Meghan Storey, Maci Holcombe ; 21 and Up Male: Joe Brock, Matthew Newton, Billy Tollison; 21 and up Female: Kim Rogers, Tara Picket, Karen Stocks.

The overall best time for the race went to Christian Elliott with 18 mins and 40 seconds.

For more information about Rett Syndrome and Julie Grace’s journey, visit http://www.juliesarmyofhope.org/hike-for-julie.html