On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, thousands of runners and walkers will participate in the 28th Amy Thompson Run for Brain Injury, the major fundraiser for the Brian Injury Association of Kansas & Greater Kansas City (BIAKS). And two dedicated members of Kansas City’s Jewish community will be behind the scenes making sure things come off without a hitch.
Robin Abramowitz, BIAKS executive director, and Bev Jacobson, the organization’s development director, have been working on the event for months. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}BIAKS seeks to improve the quality of life for those affected by traumatic brain injury by providing referral and resource information, support group coordination, ongoing education for professionals who work with survivors of brain injury and concussion prevention programming.
Abramowitz has been BIAKS executive director for nearly three years. Prior to her joining the nonprofit, Abramowitz worked with the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City in young adult leadership and as a legal analyst at Shook, Hardy & Bacon. Abramowitz credits her Jewish upbringing for her desire to help others both in her personal and professional life.
“I inherited my mother’s love for Judaism, and it has shaped every aspect of my life,” Abramowitz said. “I have loved growing up and being involved in the Kansas City Jewish community and am so grateful for the many opportunities afforded me.”
Abramowitz grew up at Congregation Beth Shalom where she was a Bat Mitzvah and later she participated in BBYO. During her college years she lived in the Hillel House at the University of Kansas.
“As an adult, the combination of Melton classes and leadership roles in Hadassah and Women’s Philanthropy enriched my life and taught me the value and importance of education, philanthropy and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Many of the relationships I formed through these organizations and experiences are those I hold most dear,” Abramowitz said.
Bev Jacobson joined BIAKS about eight months ago after a long and dedicated career in Jewish communal life. Most recently, Jacobson retired after 18 years as the Women’s Philanthropy director of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. Prior to her Kansas City position, Jacobson spent 10 years as the executive director of the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation in Wichita.
“I wore many hats and that did prepare me for working at BIAKS,” Jacobson said. “It has been fascinating for me to learn about brain injury and the impact it has on individuals and their families.”
Her work at BIAKS serving people living with traumatic brain injury comes naturally to Jacobson.
“Having been in the Jewish world for a long time, it’s important for me to do work that helps other people-tikkun olam,” she said.
Abramowitz and Jacobson have been very busy attending to the many details involved with the Memorial Day Amy Thompson Run. The scenic run takes off from Loose Park around 8 a.m. and includes an 8K, 5K run/walk race, a 2K Walk for Thought and finishes the day with the popular Kiddie Dash for youngsters 8 and under. The 8K and 5K courses are certified and chip timed and all participants will receive a finisher’s medal.
Since its beginning, the Amy Thompson Run has raised more than $2.5 million for the BIAKS. The run event was established by family and friends of Amy Thompson, who was shot in the head at the age of 23 during an attempted robbery as she started home from a party. She survived the incident and continued her journey living with her traumatic brain injury until her unexpected death three years later.
Since joining BIAKS, Abramowitz and Jacobson have enjoyed the creativity of their positions as well as a new appreciation for their own health and wellness.
“Brain injury can happen anytime, anywhere to anyone, and the recovery process looks different for each individual,” Abramowitz said. “Survivors, and the professionals who treat them, are an inspirational group and I’m humbled every day by their determination and courage.”
For more detailed information about the 28th Annual Amy Thompson Run for Brain Injury, visit www.amythompsonrun.org.{/mprestriction}
