In 2017 my marathon journey will take me across the Atlantic to run my first race overseas. I'll be participating in the 44th Berlin Marathon in Berlin, Germany. I've always felt like my running marathons was meant to be about something bigger than myself. Whether it was to wear a t-shirt to share my faith, blog about my experience to encourage others, or just be a positive presence along the course - I've never wanted it to only be about me. This year I have the honor and privilege to partner with the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) to raise money for a very worthy cause.

As a member of the OAR team I'll be raising money to help OAR achieve their mission of applying research to the challenges of autism. OAR defines "applied research" as research that directly impacts the day-to-day quality of life of learners with autism. It entails the systematic investigation of variables associated with positive outcomes in such areas as education, communication, self care, social skills, employment, behavior, and adult and community living. In this context, it extends to issues related to family support, the efficacy of service delivery systems, and demographic analyses of the autism community. 

WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 68 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.

Here are some of the ways that OAR uses the funds raised by the RUN FOR AUTISM team:

• $10 provides a Curriculum in a Box professional development set to general education teachers.
• $25 provides 15 copies of A Guide to Safety to families and first responders.
• $100 provides the Kit for Kids peer education resource to an entire elementary or middle school.
• $150 provides 100 copies of a Life Journey through Autism guidebook sent to a community support group or military installation.
• $1,000 provides a research grant for a graduate studentstudying autism.
• $3,000 provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college.
• $30,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.

If you don't know someone affected by autism, chances are someone you know does. I think of my wife's cousin's two little boys who are both autistic and how the research that OAR does can imact their lives. Please partner with myself and OAR to raise funds for this worthy cause.