Hello, Friends and Family! This is Jessa Mae Severino Duldulao, and I am excited to participate in the Walt Disney Marathon 2026 to support a cause that is deeply meaningful to me - AUTISM RESEARCH.

A few years ago, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by a family with loved one on the spectrum. I saw a young boy struggle to communicate, despite his bright mind and beautiful spirit. I watched as his family navigated a world that often didn't understand or accommodate their needs. That experience left a profound impression on me and ignited a strong desire to help create a future where no one feels unseen or unsupported because of Autism.

Approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 100 children are affected by Autism. These critical statistics highlight the urgent need for ongoing research, resources, and support for individuals with Autism and their families worldwide.

As a healthcare professional and as someone who has seen the real-life struggles and joys of loved ones on the spectrum, I carry a heartfelt hope - that someday, Autism can be prevented, and those already affected will be truly seen, embraced, and celebrated.

I am honored to run both a half marathon (21 km) and a full marathon (42.2 km) as part of the PRG Team (Pinoy Runners Global), who are residents of Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) team. The race will take place on January 10 and 11, 2026, in Orlando, Florida (USA). I kindly ask for your support. Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a real difference. Your donation will directly fund vital research and provide essential resources such as classroom tools for educators, safety guides for families, peer education programs, and scholarships for students with Autism.

Join me in this journey as I run for a cause that aims to change lives and make this world a better place. Your support is essential in building a future where every individual with Autism is valued and empowered. TOGETHER, we can make a meaningful difference.


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.


Thank you for your kindness and support - your help inspires me to keep pushing forward.


With gratitude,

Jess