About TREACh

When Karen Lee and Pepper Russell met some 15 years ago as publicists at the entertainment public relations firm, Rogers & Cowan, it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. They continued their professional association when Pepper joined Karen, formerly Vice-President of Media Relations, at Warner Bros. Records.

Then two little boys – two very special little boys – changed the course and focus of their friendship. In 1998, Karen’s grandson, Khary, was diagnosed with autism. Karen and Khary’s maternal grandmother, Luana Washington, became friends in 1995. They bonded to create an impenetrable foundation for Khary. Little did they know, that Pepper and her family would share the same diagnosis when Pepper’s son, Kahlil, was diagnosed with autism in 2000 at the age of 2.

After their initial shock, fear and grieving about this unknown disorder the families began navigating the mine-field of misinformation and lack of resources, which compels parents to look “outside of the box” to help their children reach their fullest potential.

After leaving Warner Bros. Records, Karen and Pepper, along with Luana, were led to form a foundation that would enable them to support other families facing the challenges of having an autistic child.

One of the primary goals of the TREACh foundation is to educate families about the therapeutic, educational and recreational opportunities that are available for their children. Another goal is to provide financial assistance to families otherwise unable to secure these opportunities.

These women are committed to insuring that every child is given the same opportunity to reach his/her potential. Because the number of autistic children is growing rapidly, and they are already a significant percentage of the world population, it is crucial that we take the mystery out of ‘autism’ and educate the public to look beyond their disabilities and recognize their abilities.

Khary and Kahlil represent more than two children with autism. They represent a changing world and the hope that the world in return will change and accept them and the gifts that they have to offer. They are a blessing that we are proud to share.