New for 2018! We’ll be featuring a blog sharing news about our RUN FOR AUTISM team once a month. Libby Fink, a RUN FOR AUTISM alum originally found out about the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon while running for Autism Speaks. Libby struck up a conversation with…
Originally finding out about the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) through a Master’s Degree Program Project, Greg Smith found an organization whose mission directly affected him and his family. His daughter, Quinn, was diagnosed with autism at a young age. As Greg learned more about the mission of OAR, he decided to immediately get involved…
Jessica Moyer, a self-proclaimed ‘newbie’ to marathon racing is running this year’s Marine Corps Marathon and in the process will be support OAR and autism research. For Moyer picking a charity was an easy decision, “I checked the marathon’s list of participating charities and decided on Organization for Autism research because I know several families…
Pete Jewett is a devoted, determined and long-time member of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team, having run in more than 15 events for OAR since he first started. He’s also a proud parent, doting grandfather, and die-hard Red Sox fan. Recently the autism rate increased to 1 in 88, an alarming trend. In our family,…
Soon after the Marine Corps Marathon and 10K, OAR Executive Director Mike Maloney received this e-mail from Maureen L. who was walking the 10K: “Sometime along the course in the Crystal City area, I witnessed an extraordinary moment. I saw a father and son (I think) wearing OAR shirts…The younger man or perhaps he was…
Alex (Alie) and Jamie Schneider are identical twins, 21 years old and severely autistic. Neither one of them communicates verbally with the exception of simple words, which can be hard to understand for those who don’t know them well. They have found common ground, however, with their peers and others through running. “Through the many…
Marie Kissil grew up with a sister, Meagan, 28, who was diagnosed with autism. “She is incredible and has inspired me to become a special education teacher,” says Kissil, who recently ran a half marathon for OAR in honor of her sister and others with autism. On September 4, Marie Kissil, 30, ran her first…
Heather Easley is not a career marathon runner. She’s not a professional fundraiser. But she is determined, creative, and connected to a generous group of neighbors, friends, and family, in other words, everything she needs to be part of the RUN FOR AUTISM. In February, she signed up to run the Chicago Marathon for OAR…
Jill Crossman is a member of the RUN FOR AUTISM team and the mother of a son with autism. After running the Detroit Marathon, she signed up to run the Vermont City Marathon as part of OAR’s iRUN FOR AUTISM team. She has raised $1,400 so far and has plans to continue as part of…
It’s amazing that a group of 10 teenagers, ranging in age from 15 to 18, agreed to get up very early on a Saturday morning, which also happened to be the morning after prom for some, to trek to the Cleveland Browns stadium, stretch, and then run a 5K. That they did it to benefit…
