Why I’m Running for Autism 💙
On February 28, 2025, I became a mom, and my life changed in ways I never could have imagined. My son arrived early, and what should have been the happiest time of my life quickly turned into one of the hardest. After my emergency C-section, I developed severe complications and went septic. I was hospitalized for a month, and for two of those weeks, I couldn’t be with my newborn. As a new mom, that feeling was devastating. When I was finally released, I still had drains in my body and barely had the strength to hold my baby.
In that moment, I felt completely powerless.
That experience changed me. I made a promise to myself that I would take control of what I could—my health, my strength, and my mindset.

That’s when I started running. I trained with my newborn by my side, pushing a stroller, showing up even when it felt impossible. Since then, I’ve completed two half marathons. Running became more than just exercise, it has become a symbol of strength, healing, and resilience.

Now, I’m taking that strength and running for something even bigger. I’m running for autism because it is deeply personal to me. My nephew is autistic, and before becoming a mom, I was a special education teacher for K–2 students. Those students will always hold a special place in my heart—I used to say they were my first babies. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible strengths, challenges, and beauty within the autism community.

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.