The 2010 Amy Thompson Run Honorees

AMY THOMPSON
Amy began Halloween night, 1986, similar to many other 23-year-olds. She was pretty, bright, funny with a contagious laugh, a loyal and inclusive friend, accomplished runner, tennis player and pianist. A Chi Omega, she had recently graduated from KU and was thrilled to teach her first class of third graders. The sixth child of 11 in a large and very close family, Amy offered so much potential and desire to improve the world. By 10 p.m. that Halloween night, nearly everything had changed. In the company of three friends, Amy was twice shot in the head in an attempted robbery as she left a neighborhood party.

Against tremendous odds, she survived major surgeries and a six-week coma. For more than three years, Amy fought the battle of living life after a brain injury. She approached each day with perseverance and faith, and her spirit gave hope and inspiration to all. Despite her injuries, Amy did use her short life to complete her mission and improve the world. In the worst of circumstances, she was an example of courage and forgiveness.

Amy died unexpectedly on Christmas night, 1989, at the age of 26. On Memorial Day 1988, Amy's friends, led by Molly Scanlon, organized the first run. Since then, the Run in Amy's memory has raised more than $1.5 million to help all people with brain injuries.

JAKE CLOUGH
1990-2005
On February 24th, 2005 Jake Clough was injured in a bicycle accident and suffered a brain injury. At the time of the accident Jake was proudly wearing his Lance Armstrong “Livestrong” yellow wristband, and more importantly his bike helmet. Because Jake was wearing his helmet he survived the accident and the prognosis for a full recovery from his head injury was excellent.

On Friday, March 18, 2005 (Jake’s 15th birthday) he was transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital to begin his rehabilitation program. Jake passed away unexpectedly at Children’s Mercy Hospital on March 22, 2005, though not as a result of his brain injury. Shortly after Jake passed away, family and friends began the Jake Clough Headstrong Foundation in honor of Jake.

Educating children about bike safety and the importance of always wearing a helmet are the primary goals of the Jake Clough Headstrong Foundation. Through events such as bike rodeos- bicycle safety clinics where children are properly fitted with new helmets and are encouraged to participate in bike safety courses –the Jake Clough Headstrong Foundation is able to spread Jake’s message throughout the community. The Jake Clough Headstrong Foundation has provided over 5000 properly fitted and life-saving helmets free of charge to children in the community thus far.

2010 marks the 5th year anniversary of the loss of Jake. His memory and spirit lives on however, in the hearts of the family and friends he left behind. His community presence is still active as his foundation continues to distribute thousands of bicycle helmets and provide education and awareness in the area of brain injury prevention.

The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City has selected Jake Clough as our Amy Thompson Run for Brain Injury Honoree 2010 in acknowledgement of the tremendous contribution the foundation, created in his name, has made in the prevention of brain injuries.

VIDEO TRIBUTE: Jake's Story...This year’s Posthumous Honoree

OUR TROOPS
Especially on Memorial Day, we want to remember all of our servicemen and women returning from war in the Middle East. Sadly, brain injury is currently the number one source of residual harm to vets, particularly as the byproduct of often-used Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). As Americans we thank them for their sacrifice, encourage them on their road to recovery and pledge our support through programs and organizations such as BIA. We salute and acknowledge you as heroes and honorees of the Amy Thompson Run for Brain Injury 2010.

LARRY MOORE
In his 23rd year as honorary chairperson of the Amy Thompson Run for Brain Injury, Larry Moore has played a key role in the growth of this event. Larry Moore anchors the award-winning 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. news on KMBC-Channel 9.