Written by David Johnson of Harbor County News on September 19th. Original Article https://www.harborcountry-news.com/features/memories-shared-at-kilometers-for-kiki-fun-5k/article_467cef13-3fc5-5a31-8ac6-e220ad79bc47.html
NEW BUFFALO — Rain gave way to a balmy Saturday as the inaugural Kilometers for Kiki 5K Fun Run/Walk took place Saturday, Sept. 13, in New Buffalo.
The event was held in memory of Katelyn “Kiki” Kelly, a New Buffalo High School graduate who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 18, 2024, at the age of 34 from a brain aneurysm.
The route began at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church and concluded at Casey’s Bar and Grill, one of several local establishments where Kiki worked. A post-race celebration took place at Casey’s.proceeds will go to brain aneurysm research.
Sharon Fredrickson (Kiki’s aunt) organized the 5K in partnership with The Bee Foundation, which supports brain aneurysm research and advocacy.
Not only did the event share information to raise awareness of aneurysm warning signs, Fredrickson said the foundation also will issue a research grant in Kiki’s name.
“This race is really important because my niece had some symptoms, but we didn’t know what the symptoms were. To me it’s really important to get people aware of what the signs and symptoms are of brain aneurysms,” she said, adding “If we can save one family from going through this, we’ve beeb successful.”
The first-place finisher in the 5K run, Daemyen Middlebrooks, said he and friends including Anthony Basvery, Riley Hensley and Stephanie French (all participants in the 5K) were regular customers of Kiki’s when she worked at the Casey’s bar.
“She was always the bartender and it’s always been a nice time,” he said. “Once we heard what happened, that was very said, so you’ve got to come out here and show your support.”
Kiki Kelly loved her dogs (Helly, Murphy and Cleveland), and many of those participating on Sept. 13 walked or ran the route with their canine companions.
Cooper Mikolajczak walked with his Native American Indian Dog “Boise.”
“I walk at his pace,” Cooper said.
Nicole Glaze walked and sometimes jogged the 5K route with her black lab, “Hudson.”
“It was good, he drags me along some,” she said after finishing.
