I am very excited to have been selected by the US Organization for Autism Research to run the 2017 London Marathon.  Only a handful of American charities have race numbers to allocate so I am thrilled that OAR has decided to take a chance on me. We will not let them down! 

Chances are high that you probably know someone who is impacted by Autism. I have two very good friends whose children have been diagnosed with this perplexing neurological disorder. I’ve watched in absolute amazement their tireless efforts to understand Autism, how it has impacted their families and how they navigate their children through a world that largely does not understand them.

My friend Sue, whose son, Kent has an Autism Spectrum Disorder has said to me, “Families just need support. Not only are we battling Autism in general, we are battling a system that is - at best - not set up to support ASD kids, and is -at worst - actively working against parent's efforts to secure the best possible therapies and education for their kids because they don’t understand Autism.”

This is where the important work of the Organization for Autism Research comes in.  OAR is a national, nonprofit organization with a sole purpose of promoting research that when applied, can literally impact the day-to-day life of families, educators, caregivers, and individuals affected by autism. It is the only autism organization with this exclusive focus.

Knowledge is power.

So don’t let me waste this opportunity to impart some important knowledge about Autism so that YOU can help spread the word:

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

How can you help? Spread the word and please make a donation to my London marathon effort. The money you donate helps OAR literally improve the day-to-day lives of those affected by Autism. And rest-assured that your donation matters because 84% of every dollar raised goes directly to OAR’s Autism research and information programs. This is important!

Need a suggested donation amount? How about $5,000 so I reach my goal.
OK, just kidding. But consider this:

$1000 for the $1000 that funds a graduate student’s first complete comprehensive autism research study

$350 for the 3.5 million Americans living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

$240 for the $2.4 million that a person with Autism will cost the US over the course of his/her lifespan

$137 for the $137 billion estimated total annual cost of autism to the US

$88 for 1 in 88 children diagnosed with Autism

$54 for 1 in 54 boys diagnosed with Autism

$26.20 for $1 per mile of the marathon I will run

 If you prefer to mail in a check, please make check to "Organization for Autism Research" or simply "OAR" and write "Kirsten K Burbo - London Marathon" on the memo line. Mail to:

Organization for Autism Research

ATTN: RUN FOR AUTISM
2000 14^th Street North, Suite 240
Arlington, VA 22201

Thank you so much for doing your part!