News and Knowledge

In the summer of 2017 marathon runner Luis Plascencia was searching for a charity to run the Chicago Marathon with.  Luis didn’t want to run for just any charity, but one that devoted time and effort to a cause close to his heart.  When he found the Organization for Autism Research on the Chicago Marathon website it was a perfect fit!  Luis’s brother, Oscar is on the spectrum and a very important part of his life.

Luis not only ran the 2017 Chicago Marathon on the RUN FOR AUTISM team, but two weeks later he also ran the Marine Corps Marathon for OAR, raising a total of $2,687.  Then, in 2018 Luis conquered two fall marathons again for OAR, the Marine Corps Marathon and the New York City Marathon raising $2,912.  This year Luis has recruited his nephew, Sergio onto the RUN FOR AUTISM team.  They’re both running the Chicago Marathon for OAR and for Oscar.  Luis dedicates his RUN FOR AUTISM team marathons to Oscar, “running these marathons is not just for Team OAR, it’s for Team Oscar!”                           

When Luis meets a fellow runner looking for a charity he always suggests OAR and the RUN FOR AUTISM team.  He’s a huge supporter of the work OAR does for the autism community and shares information about the organization every chance he gets.  Being a member of the RUN FOR AUTISM team has meant a great deal to Luis, “I have found a community of fellow runners who have someone in their lives who is in the spectrum.  We become a family, Team OAR Family!” 

We can’t wait to cheer Luis and Sergio on in October at the Chicago Marathon!