Please Support Autism Speaks

I am honored to be running the 2024 New York Marathon to raise money for Autism Speaks.  Autism Speaks is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  My wife Laura and I are hopeful that you will join us in supporting Autism Speaks by making a donation today.   

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. are autistic.  For many years, Autism Speaks has been at the forefront of funding research for advancements in care and treatment of individuals with ASD.  Autism Speaks also provides invaluable information and support to families and individuals with ASD in navigating some of the many challenges they face.   

We were introduced to Autism Speaks by my brother-in-law, Ryan Arenson, who chaired the past several Autism Speaks Walks in Chicago in support of his incredible brother Matthew.  Ryan’s introduction was fortuitous in that our youngest child, also named Ryan, was diagnosed with high functioning ASD late in high school. 

Our Ryan was originally diagnosed with ASD in elementary school but that diagnosis was changed to ADHD and for years we were not sure whether the diagnosis was correct or whether we were getting the right support for Ryan.  Because ASD includes a range of diagnoses, it can be difficult to diagnose correctly and confusing for many parents.

Fortunately for us, Ryan received incredible support from Glenbrook South High School (GBS) enabling Ryan to not only graduate this past spring but excel winning numerous all school awards, including awards for outstanding character and citizenship and a college scholarship for outstanding work with the GBS band.  Ryan is now transitioning to adulthood, living independently, and attending college at Northern Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  This transition requires additional support from many resources and having an accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure the proper supports are provided.

Autism Speaks provides incredible resources and support to autistic individuals and families trying to navigate these challenges, not just during childhood but throughout adulthood.    We know many individuals with ASD and their families, and each are presented with their own challenges and rewards and many of them have received invaluable support from Autism Speaks over the years.  Accordingly, we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to connect with Autism Speaks at this time and support their mission. 

Accordingly, please join us today in supporting Autism Speaks.

Why the New York Marathon? 

As many of you know, I have been an avid runner for many years with a substantial hiatus due to various personal and family health issues, not the least of which were Laura’s battle with kidney cancer in 2012 and my own in 2015 with both of us having surgeries to remove portions of our kidneys.

A year after my surgery, I decided to raise money for Kidney Cancer Association by running the 2017 Austin Half Marathon.  This was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  Since then I have run several more half marathons and a handful of full marathons, the most rewarding of which were ones I dedicated to a charitable cause.

During my training for the 2023 Chicago Marathon I set a goal of completing all of the six Abbott World Major Marathons and raising money for charity for each.  

This past spring I ran the London Marathon as part of the Autism Speaks Team and the entire experience far exceeded all of my expectations. I was fortunate enough to have the world's greatest cheering section, including  Laura and all of our kids, Heather, Cameron, and Ryan and also my Mom who was our MVP for dropping everything to make it possible for all of us to be together and escorting Ryan to London.  While in London we were also able to meet many of Laura's extended family members who live in the UK, several of whom we had yet to meet.  Not to mention the fact that thanks to the generosity of our family and friends we far exceeded our fundraising goals for Autism Speaks.  We are extremely grateful for your support.  

I am again joining the Autism Speaks team for the New York Marathon and we are grateful for your continued encouragement and support!

Cheers!

Al and Laura