Hey y’all! Running it back (pun intended) and challenging myself to my second major marathon: Chicago. Running has been life-changing, as I attempt to break times, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stick to a schedule. I dared myself to run the 2024 NYC Marathon after my friend killed it in 2023 (shoutout Sam!). After training for 6 months, I was running up to 50 miles a week. While it was a trying process, I placed in the Top 15% of all 55,000 runners, and the Top 7% of my age division/gender (at 3:31:56, pace 8:05/mi). I am proud of my time and accomplishments, but I'm hungry for more!

Like last year, I am running with the Organization for Autism Research’s (OAR) run team: Run for Autism. By running the Chicago Marathon, I will continue to raise awareness and fund services for those with autism. Running another marathon, and reaching my fundraising goal of $2,100, is how I can help a cause near and dear to my heart. I will also be one step closer to running all 7 major marathons – next up: 2026 Tokyo!

Every dollar I raise supports my race, and funds research. I chose Run for Autism, given it focuses on improving the lives of those with autism. My loved ones with autism have lacked the resources necessary to function in their everyday lives. With better resources and specialized services to help autistic individuals, the quality of life for individuals in my life with autism, and thousands of others, can improve.

My own personal connection extends to the work I've done over the years. I previously tutored children and adults with autism. After working with the same families for years, I became a fantastic resource for my students. It became evident to me how important it is to improve education for those with autism.

Thank you all for reading my page, and for (hopefully) donating! You can read below more about OAR and the Run for Autism mission. Every dollar counts, as it helps me run my race, and supports the important research conducted by OAR. You can find more information by clicking here: researchautism.org/get-involved/run-for-autism

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Organization of Autism Research (OAR) was founded by the parents (now Board of Directors) of those with autism to improve the lives of their children. Bettering social, educational, and treatment spheres has been the mission of the Board, which has since been achieved through creating a Scientific Council and filling out grants to fund applied research. By investigating everyday obstacles of autistic individuals through real-world case studies (rather than large-scale clinical trials), OAR succeeds in disseminating useful information, along with love and support.

Run for Autism is OAR’s primary fundraising program, with its mission to increase funding for OAR through various races. Through encouraging seasoned marathoners, avid runners, or simply eager athletes to participate in RA-sponsored events, OAR increases funding for crucial autism research.

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.