Ever since I fell in love with running more than 5 years ago, I've wanted to run the London Marathon. I have run 5 marathons since my first step from the couch all those years ago, but London, with its ballot entry, has been elusive until now. I have been offered a chance to run the 2016 London Marathon as part of RUN FOR AUTISM through OAR (Organization for Autism Research).  The London Marathon is the largest annual fundraising event on the planet – runners have raised over £700 million for causes since the race began in 1981.  

Why RUN FOR AUTISM? - I have seen the effects of an Autism Spectrum Disorder in many of my friends' families. including a good friend who's 10year old struggled in his early years but now thrives because of the resources he has today and early childhood intervention. Unfortunately, Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. and it seems like everywhere you go, someone's family is affected by it.

As an endurance athlete with a passion for sharing the spark among others and a desire to make a difference in the world we live in, what better way than to combine the two? 

I have pledged to run the London Marathon on April 24, 2016. It is my goal to raise $5,000 for OAR (Organization for Autism Research). This is where I am asking for your support. 

Please consider a donation to this most wonderful cause. Every little bit helps. 

Working together, we will find the missing pieces of the Autism Puzzle! Visit: http://www.researchautism.org/ to learn more about the wonderful programs your donation is supporting. 

Did you know - 

• Autism now affects 1 in 68 children 
• Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Families affected by autism continually have to fight for their children by searching for treatment and resources, educating themselves about this condition and spreading information to teachers, peers and other stakeholders. OAR (Organization for Autism Research)  takes over a piece of this burden for families. 83 cents of every dollar raised funds innovative research to help families find answers to their most urgent questions. 

OAR places much of its focus on research that benefits children and adults, their caregivers and educators.  In 2015, OAR awarded 10 research grants totaling $17,849. With these grants, OAR has awarded over $189,000 in research grants to 105 graduate researchers since 2004.  OAR also helps individuals with autism directly.  Last year, the group awarded 40 scholarships to students with autism pursuing post-secondary education opportunities. OAR is the only autism non-profit that focuses solely on applied research.