At the beginning of this year, I decided I wanted to do something that would not only challenge myself but also give my son something to look back on one day and say, “Wow, if she can do that, I can do hard things, too!” For five years, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), supporting children diagnosed with autism. Before that, I worked with adults with intellectual disabilities. Many of you know that Albie was diagnosed with autism. Following his diagnosis, I knew how important it was for me to be present, give him my best, and show him that he is capable of doing hard things. Throughout my career, I worked with children who faced challenges that many people thought were impossible to overcome. I watched them work toward their goals, overcome obstacles, and accomplish things others never thought they could. Those experiences have continued to inspire me. Lately, I have been struggling with my anxiety and self-image, and I knew I needed to do something to remind myself of my own strength. Training for a marathon has become about so much more than running. It is a reminder that the challenges I face are worth pushing through, especially when I think about the lifelong challenges that autistic individuals and their families navigate. I want to do my part to support the research, resources, and services that autistic individuals need—not just for my son, but for others in this world, too. And so, I have been working and training toward the goal of running a marathon this December! I am running not only to remind myself that I can do hard things but also to inspire Albie. I want him to grow up knowing that if something feels impossible, it doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. With hard work, determination, and perseverance, he can accomplish things he once thought he couldn’t. I may be a slow runner, but I am a determined runner! No matter the obstacles, progress is possible, and hard things are worth fighting for. ❤️ Alongside this personal goal, I am raising money for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). OAR funds practical, scientific research and develops evidence-based resources to support autistic individuals, their families, educators, and professionals. If you would like to support this cause, I would be incredibly grateful for any donation. Every contribution helps support research and resources that can make a difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families. Here is the link to donate: Help Monica raise $1,250 2026 Honolulu Marathon I will continue sharing my journey over the next two months as I work toward race day. Thank you for cheering me on, supporting this cause, and being part of something that means so much to me and my family. This marathon is for Albie, for the autism community, and for everyone who has ever had to fight a little harder to accomplish something others might take for granted. ❤️ Thank you all for your support! 🏃‍♀️💙