My name is Chris Poldoian, and I am excited to run the Berlin Marathon on behalf of The Organization of Autism Research (OAR). Most of you know how much I love to run. Long-distance running has always been a therapeutic activity for me, providing clarity to my chaotic, wine-filled life here in Houston. Berlin will be a major milestone: my eleventh marathon and my halfway point towards completing the six Abbott World Marathon Majors. But more importantly, this Marathon will be an opportunity for me to support an organization that I personally believe in. 

Autism is part of a larger group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. This developmental disorder emerges in early childhood, and people with ASD often have difficulties with social and communication skills. 

Founded in 2001 by individuals whose lives and families had been directly impacted by autism, OAR is dedicated to funding applied autism research that examines issues and challenges that children and adults with autism and their families face on a daily basis. Rather than research relative to cause and cure, OAR is focused on projects of more day-to-day relevance such as education, parent and teacher training, communication, self-care, social skills, employment, behavior and adult and community issues. In pursuing its efforts to change lives, OAR’s focus is on quality of life. 

My personal relationships with friends, family members, and acquaintances with learning disabilities and social challenges have taught me the importance of OAR’s goal to provide meaningful support to families and individuals at all stages of life. I look forward to running the Berlin Marathon as a way to better the lives of those around me. Thank you for your support!