Friends - please consider supporting my fundraiser and sharing this page with your network. Every dollar raised goes directly toward advancing the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and the work they do for individuals and families affected by autism.

Above, you’ll see my uncle David and me. While he has autism, he never let it stop him from being one of the kindest and most genuine people in my life. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to better understand the challenges autism can create and how often the world isn’t built to support people like David. Running the Chicago Marathon as part of this charity team is my way of representing him and contributing to something that can meaningfully improve lives.

I'm also chasing the Boston Marathon. While I may have a qualifying standard (2:54) already, I will be working to close the remaining gap to secure entry. Qualifying would give me the opportunity to run it in Boston with my family there, including my uncle, and for him to be able to watch in person. Doing that while raising money for OAR gives this effort a purpose that goes beyond performance.


WHY RUN FOR AUTISM

1 in 31 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. By supporting this effort, you are helping fund research and resources that provide real, immediate impact for individuals and families.

Here are examples of what your support can make possible:

$10 provides a Curriculum in a Box professional development set to general education teachers

$25 provides fifteen copies of A Guide to Safety to families and first responders

$100 provides the Kit for Kids peer education resource to an entire school

$150 provides one hundred copies of a Life Journey through Autism guidebook to a community group

$1,000 supports a graduate student research grant

$3,000 funds a college scholarship for a student with autism

$50,000 fully supports an applied research pilot study

I am committed to making this effort count, both on the course and through fundraising. Any support, whether through a donation or by sharing this page, makes a real difference.