I've always said when I started running that I wanted it to mean something thats why I usually try to choose races that benefit something I believe in, Well now its time to truly put those words into action, I have decided to run an Ultra Marathon this June with the goal being a 50k (or 31 miles) in 6 hours or less. As a part of that effort I want to raise money for a cause that touches my life on a daily basis. My son is on the Autism Spectrum and while it makes him an amazingly unique and awesome child it also presents some challenges in everyday life. So when I decided to raise money I chose the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) because the money goes directly to research and to help families affected by Autism. I'll be running 31 miles and I'd like to raise $3100, to give you an idea of how the money will be used here are some examples of what OAR can do with the donations raised:

• 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 student studying autism.
• $3,000 provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college.
• $30,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.