Those of you who know me, know what a non-athlete I am.  I attempt to run a marathon once a decade, just to remind myself of this fact.  I've chosen to run the Chicago Marathon this year in celebration of my 40 healthy years here on earth and more importantly, to raise funds for the Organization for Autism Research.

I run and raise funds in honor of my 3 year-old son Jack, who battles with severe autism on a daily basis.  We have no idea what caused his autism, and there is no known cure as I write this. Our hope as a family is that this will change, and change very soon!  We also believe that kids like our Jack deserve treatment.    It is heartbreaking that families that are hit with such an emotional blow must then be financially devastated due to lack of insurance coverage for autism-related treatment.  This absolutely must change.

Jack is not a "throwaway kid".  He is full of potential and deserves to have the best opportunity to live up to his mom's very high expectations.  As I run, I take each and every step for him.  It is nothing compared to the challenges he faces every minute of every day.

Please consider donating $1 dollar a mile, $10 dollars a mile or $1,000 a mile!  (I know some of you can afford it!)  It is tax deductible and is for such a worthy cause.  Every contribution, big or small, puts us a little closer to eradicating this devasating condition and increasing awareness so no family has to suffer alone.

Please, just do what you can...

Judith Ursitti (Mommy on a Mission)