Centerville Ohio Family Host Fundraising 5K for Odonoonychodermal Dysplasia

Centerville Ohio residents are conducting the third annual community 5K race/fundraising event “Alex’s Super Smiles 5K” for the National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias.  

Tim & Julie Carrol have lived in Centerville since 2007 while starting careers and family.   In 2016, the Carrolls gave birth to their second son, Alex.  From the first days of Alex’s life, the Carrolls suspected something wasn’t quite right.  But what was wrong took much longer to realize and even longer for medical professionals to diagnosis.

Alex has the BEST smile!

“I've suspected it since the second I woke up from his birth,” said his mother Julie. “Alex is different; he doesn't make friends easily, he doesn't focus well in groups, he lives in his own world a lot of times. But you know what Alex does really well? He has the BEST smile, the most contagious laugh, he is a genius in several categories, he tells the best stories, and gives the BEST hugs and kisses I could ever ask for.”

Today, Alex is a spunky 5-year-old and doesn’t let this genetic condition define him. He is active and loves to play.

Alex was diagnosed in 2018 with Odonoonychodermal Dysplasia. 

The family is planning the annual 5K fundraiser event in honor of Alex’s 6th birthday.  The event will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022.  Participants can register online in advance or in person at 9 am at Stubbs Park in Centerville.  The 5k will begin at 9:30 am. The purpose of this recreational 5k is to raise awareness and funds for others like Alex who are affected by ectodermal dysplasias!  Following the race, fun family activities will occur until noon.

Julie continued, “We are inviting the community to participate in and support Alex's Super Smiles 5K event. This year the National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of research. The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias does amazing work!  It is our hope that you will make an extra donation towards our event when you register. Thank you for your consideration.”

Centerville real estate agents Don & Cyndi Shurts of Keller Williams Advisors Realty are co-sponsoring this year's 5K fundraiser.