Police Officer Organizes 5K, Gives Back to Autism

TJ Burke, a private security agent with the State Security and Investigation services, has teamed up with the Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders to host the first Frostbite 5K event at North Park.

The event will be held at the Boathouse on, Saturday, Jan. 28. Registration starts at 8:30 for the 10 a.m. start. The cost is $20 for anyone who registers by Dec. 31. After that, the cost is $25. Children younger than 5 participate for free.

Currently the eighth grade boys basketball coach at Community Day School in Squirrel Hill, Burke previously worked as an autism therapist. He did this for six years and then worked with adults diagnosed with Asperger syndrome as a trainer advocate.

“TJ  was very moved by his autism work and is driven to continue helping kids with autism," said Lu Randall, Executive Director of ABOARD. "He is a dynamic force working to get this new event noticed by sponsors, runners and walkers. His commitment to families with autism is strong, and his energy is super high.” 

Those interested in sponsoring Frostbite 5K For Autism should contact Burke at tjburke.176@gmail.com or find the event on Facebook at Autism Frostbite 5K. Register at the event website at www.valleylink1.com/frostbite5k.

ABOARD was founded as a non-profit advocacy organization in 1995. The group sends comprehensive information packets to families of newly diagnosed children and adults with autism, staffs a toll-free hotline and maintains an up to date website. For more information, see www.ABOARD.org or call 412-781-4116.