Hi Everyone,

I am so happy and proud to announce that I will be running in this year's 2021 NYC Marathon’s 50th Anniversary to support and raise money for OAR, Organization for Autism Research, in honor of my husband and I’s cousin, Mikey Man, one of our biggest hero’s who suffers from a severe form of Autism, my family and friends and their families, my Robert Frost family and Deer Park students and community, my FBBC FitFam and ALL other amazing children and families that are affected by Autism.

I am so excited to be on this amazing journey and to run this year’s NYC Marathon for this very worthy cause. Going the marathon distance "for the very first time" will surely be one of my greatest physical challenges and experiences in my life.

Organization for Autism Research is a 4-star nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by autism by supporting research that produces meaningful and practical results. They also provide free, evidence-based resources and information to families, educators, self-advocates, and professionals geared towards making day-to-day life easy for those affected by autism.

The challenges faced by families impacted by Autism are many. My goal is to raise $3,500 for Autism research. Please join me as we celebrate Autism Awareness this month and help support Organization for Autism Research 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!

I am committed to keeping the spirit alive, as now more than ever we know the autism community needs support and compassion. I would be extremely grateful if you helped me reach my goal and donate to my fundraising efforts. Every little bit makes a difference, no matter how big or small. All donations are tax deductible and go towards a great cause! Here is the link to my online fundraising campaign:

support.researchautism.org/NYCMarathon2021/DebsRunforAutism

Please help me support this very worthy cause 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!

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.

Thank you very much, in advance, for your donation and support!