This October, I will be running my first full marathon: the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! Running a marathon has long been a goal of mine, and I could not be more excited to run with the RUN FOR AUTISM team in honor of my brother, Curtis (“C”), who was diagnosed with autism at three years old.

1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism every year. RUN FOR AUTISM, the Organization for Autism Research’s (OAR) signature fundraising program, supports OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help individuals with autism and their families.

The Chicago RUN FOR AUTISM team has set a collective fundraising goal of $150K, with donation amounts allocated as follows:
- $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

Any donation is greatly appreciated, and no amount is too small! Thank you for the support!