I’m running the 2025 Berlin Marathon for autism research — and I need your help. 💙

Just over a year ago, I couldn’t even run 10 kilometers. In April, I crossed the finish line of my very first marathon in Hamburg. And now, I’ll be running my second: in Berlin, a city that was my first home in Europe and still means so much to me.

But this race isn’t just about running. It’s personal.

My younger brother is autistic, and growing up in the Philippines where developmental health wasn’t openly talked about, I saw how often he struggled to be understood, to connect, and to feel included. Watching him face those challenges broke my heart and made me want to do something about it.

That’s why I’ve joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team, raising funds for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). They don’t just fund studies; they turn research into practical resources that help autistic people and their families today.

Your donation has real impact:

$10 → Professional development materials for teachers.

$25 → Safety guides for families and first responders.

$100 → Peer education resources for an entire school.

$150 → 100 guidebooks for support groups or military families.

$1,000 → Research grants for graduate students studying autism.

$3,000 → A college scholarship for a student with autism.

$50,000 → An entire applied research pilot study.

My fundraising goal is $2,500 — and every single dollar counts. Even if you can’t donate, simply sharing this page helps.

This marathon is for my brother, for families like ours, and for anyone who’s ever believed in making the world more understanding, inclusive, and kind.

Thank you so much for your support. Let’s make every kilometer matter 🕊️

Follow my journey here: http://instagram.com/viviennelsen