Hello Everyone,

 I am planning on participating in the 2019 Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. (https://www.escapealcatraztri.com/) In my own challenge of training and preparing for this epic race, I have decided to also do it for charity to raise money for autism research.

I personally have a nephew that has been diagnosed with autism. This has opened my eyes to the challenges that my sister-in-law and many others face everyday. Therefore, the decision to support research on this growing epidemic was easy.

The charity I am raising money for is the Organization for Autism Research (OAR).  

A little more about OAR:

They provide resources for families, teachers and for self advocacy as well as sponsoring scholarships and employment opportunities for autistic families. In addition they fund research grants that touch a wide variety of topics. They have helped fund over 150 studies to help those with autism.

I know lots of people want to know how much of thier donation actually goes toward the work that needs to be done and OAR is very transparent about that; 87% of all donations go toward research, programs and resources that benefit those with autism, their families and the people in schools and communities that teach, guide and advocate for them.

Please consider even a small donation to my cause.

Hopefully I dont get eaten by a shark in San  Francisco Bay.

Matt