I am running the March 2027 Tokyo Marathon to raise funds for the Organization for Autism Research in memory of my brother Tim and in honor of my nephews on the autism spectrum. This will be my 4th marathon with OAR and my 11th (subject to change) ;) marathon ever!

This effort is deeply personal.

In April 2023, my older brother—who was on the autism spectrum—passed away after facing lifelong social and emotional challenges. One of his final wishes was for us to contribute to science and research in this area so others might better understand those experiences and cope with challenges associated with autism.

I have committed to raising funds for autism research in his memory. Running this marathon also honors something he loved—he was a track and long-distance runner.

I am also running in honor of my nephews on the autism spectrum and the many families who benefit from continued research and support. I have seen firsthand the extraordinary lengths to which parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum will go to give these kids a normal life. And as our family tragically learned, suicide rates are substantially higher for children and adults on the autism spectrum.

These are some of the many reasons why autism research is so critical and why I am running to raise funds for the Organization for Autism Research, which makes meaningful contributions not only to funding autism research, but also hosting programs and scholarships that benefit individuals on the autism spectrum.

Donations are accepted through March 21, 2027. I and my fellow marathon teammates cover our own travel for the race so that 100% of your donation can go the Organization for Autism Research!


Below is some information about Autism and OAR provided by the organization:

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.