Growing up, I always knew 2 things. First, that I needed to run, frequently. I grew up running with my mom and participating in races-starting as young as 4 years old. Second, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. When I was in 6th grade, I volunteered at a camp for individuals with special needs-and my future was set in stone. From then on, my passions were set. And what better way to combine the two? I'll be running the Chicago Marathon this fall with the Run For Autism team and I'm so thankful for each donation that goes to this great organization and helps me keep my passions intertwined. For more information about OAR and the Run for Autism team, keep reading!


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.