Running marathons has been a transformative journey for me, both physically and mentally. For the last ten years, running has played a major role in my mental and physical well-being. It has empowered me, gifted me with numerous new friendships, taken me out of my comfort zone repeatedly, and taught me that you can use something you are passionate about to make a difference in this world.

Since completing my first marathon in 2017, I’ve laced up and run more than 10,000 miles and another 18 marathons! I never planned to be a “marathoner” – however, there is something really unique about each race, the runners who run them, and the opportunities that come with every training cycle, including the chance to raise awareness and funding for truly great causes. It can be infectious, and the chance to raise money to help others never gets old!

Joining the RUN FOR AUTISM Team is an opportunity to combine my passion for running with a cause that is deeply meaningful to me. Autism research is vital for understanding and supporting individuals with autism and their families. By supporting for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), we can all contribute to raising awareness and funds that will make a tangible difference in the lives of many.

This cause is personal to me. For the last 13 years, I’ve watched as two amazing parents – Matt & Alicia Markum – have, with grace and resilience, been parenting rockstars to two amazing boys. Their oldest son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and began therapy at the age of two. Regardless of circumstance, they have been the kind of parents you want to know, be around, and emulate. Their intent to build a family “full of love, respect, humility, and self-worth” is the kind of good that this world needs more of. Oh, and their boys…they're pretty awesome too. While autism can be a difficult diagnosis and presents itself with more unknowns than knowns, there are scientists and researchers making steady progress every day, so that families like the Markum’s have the support, hope, and solid ground to stand on.

Please help me support Organization for Autism Research by making a contribution to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your family and friends. Every dollar I raise will advance Organization for Autism Research's great cause! 

WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.

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.