I have always wanted to run a marathon but was always intimidated by both the training and the fundraising requirements. But after seeing some amazing ladies that I know complete the Chicago Marathon this past year, I am so inspired and motivated to make the commitment.

By far the easiest part of the decision was choosing the charity to run for: the Organization for Autism Research.

I have such a passion for special education, and my students are so near and dear to my heart. This past year I have rediscovered my niche for working with students with severe special needs in the residential school setting. I LOVE these kids. They are SO capable. They are SO smart. They are SO resilient.

One of the biggest challenges in my new residential school is seeing the number of students who have DCF involvement and traumatic pasts. Again, these students are SO capable, SO smart, and SO resilient. They are my biggest inspiration and motivation to raise money for the Organization for Autism Research.

One of OAR's missions is to "direct all research and programs initiatives toward enhancing the quality of life for autistic individuals and the families that give them love and support."

Quality of Life.

Love.

Support.

That is what these students need. That is what they deserve. Please consider donating to my run for autism to help fund these great research programs.

Sam 🙂


Please help me support 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 44 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.