Family, friends and colleagues,

On June 7, 2020, I will swim 1.5 miles from Alcatraz to the San Francisco shore, bike 18 miles out to Golden Gate Park, and run another 8 miles out to Baker Beach with 2,000 others.  I'll participate in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon for a number of reasons.  To prove to myself and others I can; because I turn 40 (gasp) a few weeks later; because, why not?; to prove to my grandma I won't get eaten by a great white shark; and, most importantly, because of Jack.

As many of you know, our 6 year-old son, Jack, is autistic.  While those of you fortunate enough to know Jack apprecate his loving, caring, and funny nature, life on the spectrum has -- and will continue to present -- many challenges.  Jack's brain is simply wired differently than yours and mine.  Every day we observe Jack struggle with simple tasks and interpersonal interactions that you and I take for granted.  Though I'm confident Jack will continue to flourish as he matures and figures out how to navigate through society, I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't worried about his future education, employment, and general life opportunities.  

While much has been learned about the brain and autism over the past several decades, and more and more rescources have become available to individuals and families with loved ones on the spectrum, there is much left to accomplish.  That's where charities like the Organization for Autism Research come in.  OAR's mission is "to apply research to the challenges of autism."  OAR's research funds studies that investigate issues related to diagnosis, early intervention, education, transition to adulthood, housing, employment, and life care.  Basically, OAR's platform helps ensure that kids like Jack have the future they deserve.

Now, here's where you come in.  I understand and respect that charitibale giving is a very personal choice.  Nonetheless, I encourage you to consider supporting our family, and the millions of other families like ours with loved ones on the spectrum, by making a small donation to OAR.  Doing so will help me get to my $2500 fundraising threshold to participate in the Escape from Alcatraz triathon.  You'll also help provide necessary funding for autism research and resources for families needing support (resources that OAR makes FREE to anyone visiting its website).  Most importantly, you'll be helping ensure that Jack -- and kids like Jack -- have opportunities to live life to the fullest.  And, at the very least, you'll get to see whether I get eaten by a great white shark!

Thanks for your time and your donation,

Colin