My name is Libby Fink and I'm the proud mother of 4 wonderful kids: Connor -24, Riley-17 and Gracie-12 and Kane 8. My kids inspire me more than they will ever know and I'm the luckiest mom in the world to have them.
In 2006 my son Connor was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at age 7 and I was sent off on a long and wonderful journey. He was lucky to be blessed with many different teachers and therapists to help him grow into the young man he is today. Connor is now 24 and graduated from Iowa State University with a Mechanical Engineering Degree and is living in Iowa and works for Mobile Track Solutions. He's overcome so much over the years and has taught me not to quit when things get hard. He has many life goals and is and will continue to achieve them all, because he works so hard. I couldn't be prouder of him. When he was diagnosed there was not any inspiring stories, I could read to make me believe that he can grow up and achieve his goals and dreams. He had to work hard to make his own inspiring story. One that I share with anyone who will listen. Life is hard for everyone some just have to work harder than others, but all can achieve. He has certainly proven this to me time and time again.

In 2008 my son Riley was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months old. Riley didn't speak until he was 4 yrs old and had many obstacles in his way. These obstacles never stopped him, he just plowed through these and still continues to do so. Riley is now 17 and he is a fighter and has determination to succeed no matter how hard he has to work. He is a junior in high school and really wants to attend college to major in Railroad Engineering! He currently run cross country and is a very dedicated and talented runner. He’s a state qualifier and his team won 3rd place in the state meet this year. He uses that no quit attitude in literally everything he does.
He was also very blessed with so many wonderful teachers and therapists to help him get to where he is today. I think back about how far he has come and see so much hope for the future. There is nothing you can't achieve without believing in yourself and continuing to work hard.

Grace is 12 and in 7th grade. She runs cross country and wrestles. She like her brothers works hard in all she does. She loves fierce and isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. She is loving and caring and passionate in all she does in life. She puts a lot of fun and energy into Team Fink. Always cheering her brothers on in everything!

Kane, is 8 now and he enjoys spending time with his siblings and cheering them on at their activities. He continues to learn so much from his siblings and loves them fiercely. He keeps Team Fink laughing and has the kindest heart. He is all the great qualities from his siblings in one kid. He’s keeping us busy too with his sports schedule. He plays football, basketball and baseball. He also runs so fast. Maybe a future run for autism participant.

My kids have taught me so much about life and how to see things differently. I am so blessed to have my children in my life, and I thank God for them every day. My kids fuel my determination to try new things. I started running 17yrs ago and got hooked. To be honest I first used to run as an escape from Autism for a little while. I needed a break, and my running was my time to myself in which I never thought about anything at all. As time went on, I realized that I didn't want to run away from Autism, and I actually wasn't after all for my kids were the ones asking me: "How was your run?" "How are far did you run?" "What was your pace?" as soon as I walked in the door. They were the fuel behind every run. I actually was held more accountable for my training because my kids were so into knowing all these things, which helped me set and surpass my goals. I decided I wasn't going to run from Autism and decided to Run for Autism. On October 13, 2024, I will be setting out to complete my 10th Chicago Marathon. On that day I will put on my Team OAR singlet and think about all the people who donated their time and money towards raising awareness and funding research for Autism! Go Team Fink! Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah



WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 36 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.


Here are some of the ways that OAR uses the funds raised by the RUN FOR AUTISM team:

$10 provides a Curriculum in a Box professional development set to general education teachers.
$25 provides 15 copies of A Guide to Safety to families and first responders.
$100 provides the Kit for Kids peer education resource to an entire elementary or middle school.
$150 provides 100 copies of a Life Journey through Autism guidebook sent to a community support group or military installation.
$1,000 provides a research grant for a graduate student studying autism.
$3,000 provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college.
$40,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.