I am doing the Boulder Half Ironman on August 5^th as part of the Organization for Autism Research's (OAR) team, for which I'm taking donations via this page. I know people personally affected, who need our support in whatever way we are able to give it. I am honored and motivated to raise the funds to help OAR. The mission of OAR is to apply research to the challenges of autism.

Knowledge is power.

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact socially.

In addition, Autism:

• Is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Occurs in as many as 1 in 88 births

• Is more prevalent than Down’s Syndrome, childhood diabetes, and childhood cancer combined

Did You Know?

• There is no genetic marker or medical test for autism; it is diagnosed by observing a child’s behavior and development

• Autism affects boys more than girls by a ratio of 4:1

• There is no known cause of autism. Studies show that there may be many different factors that make a child more likely to have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, including environmental, biological, and genetic factors.

• There is no medical treatment that can cure autism

There is Room for Hope and Answers

• Autism can be reliably diagnosed by age three and sometimes as early as 18 months

• Early diagnosis allows for earlier intervention and greater opportunity for children with autism to enjoy fuller, more complete lives

• There are evidence-based treatments that can help people with autism function better in day-to-day life

Please support my effort to help raise money for this wonderful cause, if you can. Funds raised go directly to the organization and $0.87 of every dollar goes directly into research and services. Thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraising page.