For the last 6 Years, I’ve allowed running to play a major role in my mental and physical well-being. Running is empowering - it has gifted me with numerous new friendships, taken me out of my comfort zone again and again, and taught me that you can use something you are passionate about to make a difference in this world.

Since completing my first marathon in 2017, I’ve laced up and run more than 6,500 miles and another 12 marathons! I never planned to be a “marathoner” – however, there is something really unique about each race, the runners who run them and the opportunities that come with every training cycle…including the chance to raise awareness and funding for truly great causes. It can be infectious, and the chance to raise money to help others never gets old!

In October of 2022 – I’m running in support of a great cause and in honor of some really special people. My efforts are focused on driving support for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), where every dollar I raise will advance their commitment to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.

This is a personal connection for me & it may be for you as well - regardless, this is an incredibly important cause and one worth your support.

For the last 10 years, I've watched as two amazing parents – Matt & Alicia Markum – have, with grace and resilience, been parenting rockstars to two amazing boys. Their oldest son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and began therapy at the age of two. Regardless of circumstance, they have been the kind of parents you want to know, be around and emulate. Their intent to build a family “full of love, respect, humility, and self-worth” is the kind of good that this world needs more of. Oh and their boys…they're pretty awesome too. While Autism can be a difficult diagnosis and presents itself with more unknowns than knowns – there are scientists and researchers making steady progress every day, so that families like the Markum’s have the support, hope and solid ground to stand on.

OAR is making a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families - and they need your support to continue this great work.

Please help me as I raise awareness, and money – every dollar counts, literally!

WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism.

Your support of ME, will support OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.

How the Funds Will Be Used:

$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.

$30,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.