We’re not just running marathons — we’re
running to change lives.

Five years ago, we started with just a handful of runners who believed we could do more than just run races. We believed we could make an impact. Last year, our team grew to 17 runners. This year, we are 30 runners strong — and still growing.
The Donnelly Running Club – Team Apawamis is entering its 5th season supporting the Organization
for Autism Research (OAR), and in 2026, we’re taking this mission international. Our team will be running:
• London
• Berlin
• Chicago
• New York City
• NYC Half Marathon in March
Last year, our team raised over $63 000 for autism research.
This year, we are setting a bold goal: $100,000

My Why?
My inspiration comes from watching the incredible, life-changing work my wife does every single day as a special needs teacher. I see the lives she helps shape. I see the patience, dedication, and love she pours into her students.

And what inspires me most is how she continues to guide and support them — even after they leave her classroom and move on to the next chapter of their lives. Her impact doesn’t stop at the classroom door.
Watching her has shown me how much support, structure, and belief can truly change a young person’s future. Running is the way I know how to help. If I can use miles to raise money... If I can help provide research, resources, and tools that give young minds the support they deserve... If I can help create opportunities for them to find happiness and achieve anything they set their hearts on... Then every early morning run is worth it.
This is bigger than marathons.
It’s about giving families support.
It’s about giving children opportunities.
It’s about turning miles into meaningful impact.
If you’ve supported me before, thank you.
If you’re new to this journey, I invite you to join us.
Please consider making a donation and helping us reach $100,000 in our 5th year.
Together, we can make a real difference.

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.