Hi friends and family,

This October, I'm lacing up my sneakers for a caue that is incredibly close to my heart. I'll be running the 2025 Chicago Marathon in support of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR)- and as always, I'll be running in honor of my brother, Conor.

Conor is 33, autistic, and one of the best people I know. Running for OAR is my way of giving back to a community that has given so much to him and my family- and of supporting research, education and practical tools that make life better for autistic individuals and their families every day.

My goal is to raise $2,500 by race day. Whether it's $5, $50, or simply sharing this page with your network, every contribution counts. Together, we can fund research that leads to understanding, support, and opportunity for the autism community.

Thank you for your support in this cause. I'll be thinking of Conor with every mile, and I'll be carrying your encouragement all 26.2 of them.

With love and gratitude,

Ashley


WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 31 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.
$50,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.