2016 has been a tough running year for me, but on November 6th I'll be running the Marshall University Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia, and have designated this race as my 4th consective fundraising run. In 2013, my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder; soon after I decided to run my first fundraising race. Running has since taken on a greater purpose in my life...it is a happy place for me, a contemplative and problem solving place, but also a platform to raise autism awareness and funds for research that directly impact my family. I am incredibly grateful for those friends and family that consistenly donate to the autism cause, and for anyone new to our story who has decided to donate, well...thank you doesn't seem like quite enough, but it will have to do for now.
A week ago I was sharing with the family a new research study I had read about in which they were using the baby teeth of siblings of autistic children to try to determine any environmental factors that might be linked to autism. Evan yelled excitedly, "that's us!". "Yes, Buddy.", I replied. He then asked what autism was, and after an explanation from my husband and myself, Evan said, "Can you fix it?"
This is why I run, because I would fix it if I could. But since I can't, I will fight to make his life as manageable as possible. Evan told Jayme recently that he doesn't like the outside world and that home is his safe place. "I was born that way.", he said. Evan gets it...he gets that his life is hard and the world doesn't always understand him; he notices when the kids don't sit with him on the bus, or when they whisper about him in class. So, I will run mile, after mile, after mile, until maybe one day there will be a cure; if I can educate people along the way, then I'm doing my part to make the world a safer place for Evan and people like him.
For more information about how your dollars are making a difference, please go here: http://www.researchautism.org/about/philosophy/index.asp
Supporters | |||
Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
Karen Cronin | 11/06/2016 | $50.00 | You're my hero Gretchen! | Deborah Barrett | 11/04/2016 | $100.00 | GO, GRETCH! | Susan Plante | 11/04/2016 | $40.00 | Karen Martin | 11/04/2016 | $25.00 | May research find new avenues to help all affected by autism | Anonymous Friend | 11/03/2016 | $100.00 | Good luck with your run! You, your running and your family are such an inspiration! | Pamela Moretti | 11/03/2016 | $75.00 | We hope you have an awesome race! | Sue Duval | 11/03/2016 | $100.00 | Susan Eastler | 11/01/2016 | $100.00 | Best wishes❤️ | Susan Eastler | 11/01/2016 | $100.00 | Best wishes❤️ | Anonymous Friend | 10/30/2016 | $500.00 | I've never met Evan but I know how fortunate he is to have you as his mom. You posts amaze and motivate me. You've met your goal, now run and enjoy it! xo | Melissa Alleruzzo | 10/29/2016 | $50.00 | From one mom to another <3 | Isabelle Stark | 10/29/2016 | $50.00 | Johanna Bernard | 10/23/2016 | $50.00 | Go Gretch! | Lauren Farkash | 10/19/2016 | $100.00 | To the strongest, bravest, and most dedicated friend, sister, and Mother I know! Go get it Gretch! | Christine Palladino-Downs | 10/12/2016 | $30.00 | Lisa Bream | 10/07/2016 | $25.00 | Go Gretchen! | Jayme Fishman | 10/07/2016 | $100.00 | Go get 'em Gretch | Anonymous Friend | 10/06/2016 | $100.00 | Good luck! | Shannon Rigali | 10/06/2016 | $50.00 | Gretchen Fishman | 10/06/2016 | $100.00 | Lily's crayon donations |
Total | $1,845.00 |