Friends, family, and loved ones,

It is with honor and excitement to announce I am training for the 2024 New York City Marathon! This year, I will be running as a member of Organization for Autism Research's (OAR) RUN FOR AUTISM team. I will be completing over 25 weeks of training to prepare for the big race on Sunday, November 3. I am writing today to ask if you would consider sponsoring my participation in the race by donating to OAR, which I am very passionate about. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

OAR was founded 20+ years ago by the loved ones of children with autism who now act as the Board of Directors. Alongside the Board, educators, self-advocates, researchers, and volunteers work towards OAR's mission of bettering the quality of life for those with autism. This is done by improving educational resources, social interactions, family spheres, workplaces, and other environments of everyday interaction for those with autism.

RUN FOR AUTISM is OAR's main fundraising branch. I joined the team, as I have personal experience with schooling and health care for autistic individuals. When I worked as a tutor for children with developmental disorders, I learned the importance of helping adolescents through proper encouragement and lesson plans geared to their understanding. I also assisted my mother in California, who works as an aid for autistic adults. The relationships I built have changed me forever, and helped me recognize how we all must become a better support system for the autistic community.

This year, by running with RUN FOR AUTISM, I am committed to raising at least $3,500. Here are some of the ways that OAR uses 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.
$50,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.

Thank you so much for your support during this crucial period of my life, as both a participant in the NYC Marathon, and advocate for OAR: RUN WITH AUTISM. Any amount you can donate is appreciated. For more information about the organization and fundraising team, please visit: researchautism.org/get-involved/run-for-autism.