5K run to raise funds for local infant

A "family and friends" fun run will be held this weekend in support of a special child  who lives in the Cypress area.

The child is Jesus Eduardo Carstens Castillo, who was born at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in September. Nicknamed "Big Little Jesus," the infant suffers from a genetic disorder called acampomelic campomelic dysplassia. Not only is this type of skeletal dysplasia very rare, but doctors tell the family that the baby has a genetic mutation that has never before been reported.

Proceeds from the "fun run" will help pay for the medical bills Castillo's family has incurred as a result of his condition. After 45 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, the child had to return to the hospital because of severe respiratory problems in late November. Following a December surgery, he must breathe through a tracheotomy. He is fed through a tube and needs to stay with a ventilator 24 hours a day. Yet his family remains optimistic, hoping he will grow stronger until he is ready to undergo further surgery to help address these problems.

The 5K run to support "Little Big Jesus" and his family will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 27 at Bear Creek Park, 3535 War Memorial Drive in Houston. The registration fee is $20. Children under 15 are not required to register unless they would like a number in the race. The first day of registration will take place on Feb. 24 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Bicycle World and Fitness location in the West University area at 2519 Rice Blvd. Registration will also be available at the Bicycle World at 14536 Memorial Drive on Feb. 26 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Runners can also register in the park on the day of the race from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

The family will also accept donations directly. To learn more about the race, "Little Big Jesus," and other efforts to support him, contact Carolina Carstens at prototype_coach@hotmail.com.