I recently came across a statistic that really took me by surprise, and it’s something I can’t stop thinking about.

When my parents were born, autism wasn't yet recognized as a distinct diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). When I was born, the likelihood of having autism was 1 in 1,000. Fast forward to today, and for children being born now, that chance has risen to 1 in 36.

Autism affects us all. It’s likely that you know someone with autism, or will in the future, as the rate continues to rise. This growing awareness has inspired me to combine something I love— running— with a cause that’s become so meaningful to me. Running has always been more than just a physical outlet… it's a way to clear my mind, challenge my limits, and find peace in the journey. It's been transformative for my physical and mental health, and I can’t wait to take that personal journey to the next level.

That’s why I’m honored to be running my first marathon in support of the Organization for Autism Research. It’s an opportunity to use my passion for running as a way to raise awareness, contribute to important research, and make a real difference in the lives of those affected by autism. Every step I take will be a reminder of how far we've come, and how far we still have to go.

If you’re able, I’d be incredibly grateful if you’d consider donating to this important cause. Your support can help fuel the research and programs that are making a difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families. Together, we can run toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

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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.