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My journey with OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM program started in 2022. I had signed up for the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon to fundraise for a charity since I had missed getting an entry through the lottery. After some research, I discovered the amazing RUN FOR AUTISM community! Of course, there were dozens of other wonderful organizations that I could have fundraised for; however, finding OAR checked all the boxes that I was looking for, mainly because autism has impacted my own family, and I saw that the funds raised went directly into research and the autism community.

When my youngest son was in elementary school, he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome/autism. Through the years, we greatly benefited from several wonderful local programs and counselors who were instrumental in helping him navigate first elementary school, then middle school, and beyond. The middle school years can be especially tough for anyone, and even more so for kids on the spectrum. We honestly had some rough moments between middle school and high school, but thanks to the counseling and therapy my son was able to receive,

he was able to navigate this tricky time. Now he is attending college at Rowan University, taking online and in-person classes. And I must point to the help we had along the way as proof of how a great support system and guidance from organizations like OAR can make a difference. Furthermore, Rowan University has great resources for students with differing abilities, so my son continues to benefit from the helpful counseling at his disposal.

My fundraising for that first 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon campaign went perfectly. I used a combination of social media and in-person events to let people know I was fundraising. Whenever I discussed RUN FOR AUTISM, I made sure to explain why supporting this organization was important not just to me but for all families who had friends and loved ones on the autism spectrum.

I raised well over my minimum amount and even added the Marine Corps Marathon to raise even more funds – and run two marathons a few weeks apart! Since that first year together, I ran and raised funds for RUN FOR AUTISM in 2023 and 2024 for the TCS New York City Marathon and another Bank of America Chicago Marathon. In 2024, I already had entries into both races, but I still wanted to raise funds and awareness for OAR – basically, I didn’t want to run for “nothing.”

When the opportunity to become an ambassador for OAR came around a few months ago, I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of. What also always stood out to me about working with the RUN FOR AUTISM team is that we’re all part of the same community, and they make you feel like part of the organization. We’re not just fundraisers, we’re part of a family, working together, with constant support and communication. And again this year, for the Marine Corps Marathon’s 50th Anniversary, I’m back to raise awareness & money for this year’s event!  As often as possible, I will run & support for RUN FOR AUTISM, with the confidence that all of my fundraising will go where it needs to and help so many in need.

Patrick Rodio is a writer and a photographer in Collingswood, NJ. He also works full-time at South Jersey Running Company as a store manager and their social media coordinator. A runner at heart, Patrick believes that the running community is more than paces and marathon qualifiers, but more so an inclusive community where all skill levels and abilities are welcome.