For those who have been following my running journey, you know I have a big goal: to run a marathon in all 50 U.S. states. I recently crossed the finish line in Vermont, officially marking my 19th completed state. I have two more state marathons lined up next, which means when I hit the pavement in Illinois for the 2026 Chicago Marathon, it will be my 22nd state!

While chasing this 50-state milestone is a personal passion, the Chicago Marathon carries a much deeper purpose for me. This time, I am dedicating my 26.2 miles to the RUN FOR AUTISM campaign.

WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. It is a genuine, growing cause, and the need for support, understanding, and research is more important right now than ever. By partnering with the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), the funds raised here will go directly toward applied research and practical resources that help autistic individuals and their families today.

My goal is to raise $3000, and I would be incredibly honored to have your support. Whether it is $, $$ or $$$, your donation makes a real, tangible impact for families navigating autism.

Thank you so much for your generosity, your encouragement, and for being part of this journey with me. Let's make state #22 count!

With gratitude,

Sreenivas Koneru


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.