Windy Tanner intends to fundraise for OAR until she’s raised $50,000—enough to fund a new research study. “In April 2023, my older brother, who
was on the autism spectrum, passed away after facing lifelong social and emotional challenges. One of his final wishes was for us to contribute to science and research in this area so others might better understand those experiences.”
Tanner was part of a team of 21 OAR athletes who raced the 2026 TCS London Marathon as part of the RUN FOR AUTISM team. In total, they raised over $130,000 for OAR. Tanner balanced training with raising over $6,600 for OAR in her third RUN FOR AUTISM race. “Running this marathon also honors something he loved—he was a track and long-distance runner.”
The 2026 London Marathon was Neil Bhandari’s third race with OAR. “For the past 15 years, my career has centered around serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, elderly, and chronically disabled individuals, and running with OAR has been one of the most meaningful ways I can show up for those individuals and their families—not just in the work I do every day but on the world stage. I believe that more than the finish line, the finish time, or the medal, our purpose and why we run matters the most.”
Applications are open for the 2027 TCS London Marathon team with RUN FOR AUTISM. Application decisions are rolling.
Additional IDEA Funding Available to States
In mid-May, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it will provide an additional $144 million to states and districts to use for Individuals with...
London Marathon Team Reaches New Heights
Windy Tanner intends to fundraise for OAR until she’s raised $50,000—enough to fund a new research study. “In April 2023, my older brother, who was...
Your Support Made the Difference!
Each year, OAR lays out ambitious goals for engaging community members in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month. Throughout the beginning...
