Hi everyone!

My name is Sacha Cartagena and I'm running for autism! I've been offered a spot to run the London Marathon in exchange for fundraising $6,000 for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR).

My heart is with special education, which is why I'm honored and excited to be running for a great organization like OAR! My Ph.D. is in special education, and my master's was focused on autism. I have 12 years of special education experience, including classroom teaching, research, and providing professional development. I'm passionate about supporting educators working with students with autism, and am grateful for organizations like OAR who provide resources to educators, families, and individuals affected by autism.

HOW THIS FUNDRAISER WORKS:
- Your money goes straight towards supporting autism research and resources!
- I am responsible for covering my own travel costs to London. None of the fundraising goes to me personally.
- I can officially register for the race after the first $1,000 is raised.
- Your donation is tax deductable.
- Due date: May 11, 2025 (two weeks after the London Marathon).

We can meet the $6,000 fundraising goal if:
240 people give $25,
or 120 people give $50,
or 60 people give $100.
Every dollar helps!

WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of autistic people, families, autism professionals, and caregivers.

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.

Thank you for your consideration and support. Please share with family and friends!