Last December, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Director, Mike Maloney, informed me that they had a slot open for the New York Marathon this fall!  He knew I had wanted to run New York Marathon over the past few years - and as this is my 10th year to run for this worthy charity - why not?  The only catch is that I have to raise $5000!  Ouch!  Over the past 9 years I have raised just over $5600 total - so raising $5000 this year seemed way beyond my limited network.  Mike was kind enough to give me a few months to think about it.  

You know it's funny how God seems to give clear direction when we face what we think is the impossible (prodding from the Run Director, Lily, helped too).  Last week, I learned that my friend Amy's baby boy, Charlie Wingard (pictured), was just diagnosed with Autism.  He's just 6 mo older than my granddaughter, Charlotte.  So, after speaking to Amy, I decided to go for it - and I am running for her little Charlie and all the other children diagnosed with Autism this year.  And my goal is not $5000.. my goal is to raise more this year than I have raised in the past 9 years!  Since this would have been my 10th Marine Corps Marathon... I have also decided to run both the Marine Corps and the New York Marathons!

So please, I ask that you support this worthy cause.  With nearly 1 in every 100 children being born with Autism (boys over girls by a factor of 4)... I am sure that you know someone who has a child with Autism.

Both the Organization for Autism Research and I really appreciate your tax deductible donation. Please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Sincerely,

Greg Beeker