This year, in honor of Jacob and Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month, we are strapping on sneakers and running for a cause we believe deeply in and for an organization that we enthusiastically support.

OAR is an outstanding non-for-profit organization that is committed to providing resources and programs for families like ours throughout their autism journey. In addition, by providing these free resources to the community, they promote awareness, education, and advocacy year round. At the heart of OAR are their research initiatives, with a mission to improve the lives of those with autism.

Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. One of my greatest fears for Jacob is, what will happen when he grows up and he ages out of the “system”? OAR embraces this challenge and provides meaningful support to ease this transition in terms of practical life skills, education, and employment guidance.

As a Navigator for their Hire Autism subdivision, I have been working with job seekers on the autism spectrum to guide them through the end to end job search and interviewing processes. Not only has it been an immensely rewarding experience, it gives me hope for the future for Jacob.

Please help me support by making a contribution to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your family and friends. Every dollar I raise will advance Organization for Autism Research's great cause!

All proceeds from the Active for Autism Virtual 5K will go to OAR’s new Changing Lives Fund and will be used solely for direct research and programs support. In November, OAR will allocate the available funds to support one of OAR’s new research studies. Our goal is to raise $80,000, enough to fully fund two research studies. Any funds raised over $80,000 will go to support OAR’s mission to apply research to the challenges of autism.

WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.