I am excited to share that I will be running the London Marathon on April 26th, 2026, on behalf of Organization for Autism Research (OAR). Running has been a vital part of my everyday life and has shaped me into the person I am today. I began running long distance at Triton Regional High School where I fell in love with the sport. I later went on to run in college at Franklin Pierce University for undergraduate studies and then Umass Lowell where I received my graduate degree allowing me to become a registered dietitian.
I am honored for the opportunity to run as this organization represents a cause that is deeply personal to me and my family. It is with utmost gratitude that I have the opportunity to do something I love while sharing my brother’s life. All proceeds raised will go directly to OAR.
My brother, Nicholas Farago was diagnosed with autism in elementary school. Growing up, Nicholas was the glue to our household - he always had the biggest smile and was a genuine, loving soul right to his core. Nicholas studied at a private academy in New Hampshire that offered small classroom sizes in an environment in which he thrived. For the first time, Nicholas was able to build more confidence in himself which enabled him to take on new hobbies including developing a deep passion for music, specifically the electric guitar. Nicholas’s room soon turned into a sanctuary for music as he designed new ways that allowed him to learn how to play new songs and develop a strong appreciation for music.
Nicholas was not only a talented musician, but also the best brother and friend anyone could ask for. He was the perfect puzzle piece to our little family, always brightening up the room with his presence and sharing his insightful perspective on the little things in daily life that are often overlooked.
What most people didn’t know about Nicholas, was all that he struggled with on a daily basis facing constant social barriers that directly impacted relationships, jobs, school, and many other aspects of his life. As a teenager Nicholas developed epilepsy with an unknown causation which exacerbated these struggles. As anyone does, Nicholas longed for independence, however, these obstacles made it exceptionally difficult to achieve many lifelong goals. Despite everything, he never once complained.
On January 4th, 2022, Nicholas unexpectedly passed away due to complications associated with epilepsy at the young age of 24 years old. Losing him has been the hardest thing my family and I have ever had to face, leaving us with many questions and everlasting heartbreak.
From the moment the race begins until I cross the finish line, each step I take will be a dedication to the life of my brother, Nicholas. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my brother’s life and educate others about such an incredible cause. Please join me in supporting OAR, a non-profit organization dedicated to researching challenges that affect the quality of day-to-day aspects of everyday life in adults and children with autism. Your generosity means more than words can possibly express and is instrumental in helping me to reach my goal.
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