Hey everyone! My name is Taryn O'Dea. I'm a stay at home mom and have two amazing kiddos-Carver (4) and Jolene (2). This will be my second time to run the Chicago Marathon! This year I have decided to team up with OAR (Organization for Autism Research) and I'll be raising money with the Run For Autism Team. I am so excited and I would more than appreciate your support.

In 2021, I fundraised for another organization that supported Autism awareness/research. I chose to run for autism because I've always had a big place in my heart for kids with special needs. My cousin Davie had autism, and although I didn't get to see him often- we had a special bond. He was one of the most special and amazing people I have ever met. Davie passed away shortly before I chose to run Chicago, and it seemed like a special way to honor him. (I love you Davie Boy!!)

A few months into my training and fundraising, we learned that our sweet, incredible son Carver also had Autism. The fire in my heart grew even more and I was determined to finish the marathon for him and Davie. I had both of their names on the back of my shirt and people were yelling at me to "Keep going for Carver!" and "Don't stop-do it for Davie!" and it was truly an emotional and incredible experience. (not to mention I had the BEST time running!!)

During my race in 2021- I learned about OAR. I came home and immediately started doing more research. I decided if I ran Chicago again, it would be with their team. Carver is SO much more than his diagnosis, and I truly feel that OAR could help him flourish in the future. I've included some information below about OAR and how they use the funds raised.

Thanks for reading and for all of your support!!


WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 54 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.
$40,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.