This year, Henry was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare genetic condition. So rare, that there are only 15 or so cases documented globally. That leaves us with a very small set of data to go off of, very limited options for proven therapies and treatments, and a lot of questions.

The chief presentation of this condition, however, is Autism. Autism is not exceptionally rare. It effects 1 in every 31 children in the US. It's a condition that touches someone that you know, probably many someones. Yet, there are still limited options for proven therapies and treatments, no known cause, and a lot of questions. That doesn't sit well with us, so Sam and I are running the Chicago Marathon this fall (on our wedding anniversary!) to help change that reality.

If you want to help us raise funds for Hen, and the millions of kids like him across the country, this is the spot to donate! (See where it goes below).

Outside of the funding piece, we committed to this with the thought that we want to show Henry that he can do hard things. But now that we're running (and it IS hard), we're realizing that we find our strength through him, not the other way around. Every day we watch Henry work so hard for things that come easily to most of us. He is still so little, but still he keeps trying, keeps pushing and never gives up. We will be with him every figurative and literal step of the way. Every milestone for him, every mile for us, we're in it together until the end.

& if you want to see Sam drag 18% body fat 26.2 miles, we’ll see you in Chicago! (His add to this bio)

Love you all!

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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.