Please join me in supporting autism research with a tax-deductible donation to the Organization for Autism Research. In return, I'll complete an IRONMAN -- which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run!

On September 10, 2017, I will be embarking on Ironman Wisconsin, with the purpose of raising money for autism research. Ironman Wisconsin is a grueling day of swimming, biking, and running 140.6 miles. Autism is a group of complex disorders of brain development, which has been identified in 1 in every 68 children.

As many of you know, I have been teaching students on the autism spectrum for the past 5 years. I teach students on the autism spectrum swimming and sports at the Greater Green Bay YMCA and as a special education high school teacher. Now I am raising funds for the Organization for Autism Research, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which supports academic research and provides teachers with supports, guidance, and curriculum materials that focus on autism.

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) focuses on applied research -- scientific studies that examine the challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum. OAR awards grants for research, and provides supplies and supports for educating students on the autism spectrum. OAR is the only non-profit that exclusively supports Autism Research, and every dollar donated is tax deductible. 

As Ironman Wisconsin approaches, I will keep everyone up-to-date on my training and tell you how to track my progress on race day.

Thank you for joining me in supporting OAR and supporting educators who teach children on the autism spectrum.

More information about OAR can be found at researchautism.org

More information about Ironman Wisconsin can be found at ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/wisconsin.aspx