News and Knowledge

Kevin Godard was looking for an organization to support and fundraise for that was committed to helping people with autism.  His wife, Pina saw the Organization for Autism Research online and Kevin immediately knew it was exactly what he was looking for; an organization “working towards a better, scientific understanding of autism”.  

2019 is Kevin’s first year with the RUN FOR AUTISM program and we couldn’t be more excited to have him on the team!  Kevin has committed to fundraise for OAR and participate in 10 half marathons throughout the year for his 13 year old son, Zach who is on the spectrum.  On top of the half marathons Kevin will cap off the year by running the TCS New York City Marathon in November.

So far Kevin has completed the Chilly Half Marathon, Pelee Island Half Marathon, Niagara-on-the-Lakes Half Marathon, First Man on the Moon 50^th Anniversary Half Marathon (virtual run), Albion Hills Half Marathon, Beaches Jazz Festival Half Marathon, Shark Week Half Marathon (virtual run) and the St. Clemons Harvest Half Marathon.  In September Kevin will complete the Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Half Marathon and then in October he’s on to his final half marathon, the Grand Calendonia Half Marathon.  With all 10 half marathons complete he’ll be ready to join the RUN FOR AUTISM team in NYC for the marathon in November!

With so many races packed into one year Kevin says he’s supporting OAR by, “really focusing on the running: training, fundraising, and RECOVERING!  Before each race I send the donors a pic of the OAR running shirt, and my bib.  Then afterwards, I send them the pic at the finish line with the finisher medal.”  Kevin’s pre and post-race photos have proven to be a great fundraising strategy as he’s raised an incredible $3,371.76 for OAR so far!

We asked Kevin what being part of OAR has meant to him and his family.  He replied with, “it’s really provided us a sense of purpose to our fundraising.  We’ve done some in the past for other organizations, but didn’t feel like we were part of a larger team working towards a goal.  The support from the organization is the best I’ve had to-date.  After 2019, I’d like to continue to build on OAR and develop even deeper awareness of the program so we can include more race events in Canada, and heck, maybe throw in a long-sleeve OAR running shirt for the frigid early season runs in March!  It’s a special kind of cold on some of those runs!!”

We can’t wait to cheer Kevin on in the NYC Marathon and we’ll work on the OAR long sleeve shirt!