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!

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.
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The reason why I am choosing to partner with RUN FOR AUTISM for marathon journey is simple, I have a niece who has been on the spectrum (diagnosed) for most of her life. Before I left for college, I was very close to my two older nieces (mainly because they lived so close). Growing up as a kid, I have never really had any one-on-one experience with anyone with any mental disability, daily. I have friends and family who have had family members with some sort of disability or handicap and I have been around those family member but not often enough for it to resonate with me.

When my niece, Evelyn, was born, she was (and still is) a beautiful baby girl. As the months started to pass, my sister noticed that she wasn't on the same path verbally as her older sister was. My oldest sister was also 8 when I was born and 9 when our youngest sister was born, so she knew all about babies and about what is to be expected at certain age milestones. Evelyn was behind in some of those. For a few years, she barely even spoke but when she did, boy did it shock you. I remember so vividly that when she was about 1.5 years old she read me the writing on a pillow that I once had. I also remember asking her for my phone once and when she grabbed it, I heard it unlock. That little girl knew my password just by watching me put it in so many times! I know these things don't subject her to be labeled as autistic but to see how sophisticated and wise she was (is) at such a young age, was truly eye opening.

I don't remember the date (or even the year) when she was officially diagnosed but I do remember all the stress and patience that my sister and her family had to go through (and still goes through) while learning how to make sure Evelyn has a "normal" life while still being true to herself. My sister and family, lets Evelyn express herself and we all try to respect her boundaries. She is now 14 years old (will turn 15 this November) and she is still discovering her voice.

I have worked for a company that takes care of those mental disabilities and/or physical ones and learning different behavior plans really helped open my eyes and perspective on what really can go on in caring for someone with a disability as well as the constant regimen that these people are use to. It gave me a sense of perspective on what my sister may go through as well as her family.

I can only hope that one day we find a cure or something of the sort, that can help those who may be struggling with dealing with society, a little better without causing them to be zombies to everyone, including themselves.

I have never been good at writing on things I have gone through because at the end of the day, I personally don't think I can fully relate and understand what one goes through unless I live it everyday but I have always been one that when I get my mind set on something, it is hard to get rid of it. I am choosing to run for autism for not only Evelyn but for everyone else that this may affect (this goes for families and these individuals).