News and Knowledge

The last thing that comes to mind when most people think of a grandmother is someone who has run 24 marathons and counting.  That is what makes Diane Kellenburger such an impressive member of the RUN FOR AUTISM team and special grandmother to Ryan who has autism.

Back in 2008 Diane was at the Chicago Marathon race expo where she saw a booth for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR).  Impressed by the organization she remembered OAR and joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team for the 2009 Chicago Marathon, which began what she calls “the beginning of this amazing RUN FOR AUTISM journey.”  The 2018 Chicago Marathon marked the 10^th year of Diane’s RUN FOR AUTISM journey.  Over the 10 years she has run the Chicago Marathon every year from 2009 – 2018, the Marine Corps Marathon from 2010 – 2012 and many half marathons all on the RUN FOR AUTISM team.  Personally she has raised over $50,000 for OAR and has created the “Rock Stars for Ryan” team by recruiting supporters and friends to run for OAR as well.

Diane never misses an opportunity to bring autism awareness and acceptance on her social media pages.  After 10 years of running for OAR her supporters and friends are aware that Ryan, now 18 years old, is on the autism spectrum and she keeps them up-to-date on his progress using social media.  She uses her fundraising efforts to engage local business people in OAR and spread awareness throughout the community.

When asked why she runs for OAR her answer was genuine – “When I started running for autism in 2009 it gave meaning to all these miles I run.  It also gave me a sense of purpose, like I was actually doing something that would make a difference for those on the autism spectrum.  It’s a very helpless feeling as a grandparent to not only watch your grandchild struggle with the challenges of autism, but to also watch your daughter struggle to help her son.  OAR and the RUN FOR AUTISM team gave me the opportunity to actually be a part of a solution to these struggles not only for Ryan but for other families struggling to find answers.  Being a part of the team has had benefits I never anticipated when I started.  I have met and made friends with some of the most amazing warrior parents and grandparents.  Their friendship and support mean everything and their stories are so inspiring to me and my family.”

Diane plans to run the 2019 Chicago Marathon on the RUN FOR AUTISM team again this year and we can’t wait to cheer her on!  She truly is an inspiration.