Everyone who knows Jason Garcia Jr. knows how special he is to our family. Jason was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and now, as a senior in high school, he continues to inspire us every day with his determination, growth, and passion for life. Over the past three years, he has proudly been part of his high school’s track and cross-country teams, where he discovered a true love for running. Because of the impact Jason has had on my life, I want to take on the challenge of running the Chicago Marathon in support of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), a wonderful organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by autism. I strongly believe that early support and intervention are critical to helping individuals with autism reach their full potential, and I want to do my part to help provide those opportunities for others.

Running this marathon and raising funds for autism research and support services would be incredibly meaningful to me, not only as a personal goal, but as a tribute to Jason and everything he represents. And I know that when I cross the finish line, Jason will be there cheering me on every step of the way.

Please help me support by making a contribution to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your family and friends. Every dollar I raise will advance Organization for Autism Research's great cause!


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.