Family, Friends, Colleagues:

The time of year has come again where Ayiesha and I are running the NYC Half Marathon in an effort to raise funds on behalf of the Organization for Autism Research.  As most of you know by now, Autism has touched us personally within our family, and is certainly a condition which is near and dear to all our hearts.  

As you may recall, we don't pursue this cause to cure our niece, rather, to make us smarter and more well equipped in helping her develop a full and meaningful life.  While through her parents, and the love of family and friends, she has been afforded many privileges, the reality is that there is still so much that we don't understand.  

This is where we need your help.  Through your contributions last year, we were able to raise an overwhelming amount of money, an accomplishment we are trying to do even better with this year.  As such, we are asking for your continued financial support in helping to increase our understanding of Autism.  Please know that we are extremely grateful for anything you can or are willing to do.  No amount is to small or to large. 

Of course as with any race, there isn't much fun without competition.  Seeing as we are not necessarily ready to compete with Meb, Haile, Edna or Shalane, we are left with some inter-marriage rivalry.  Normally, Ayiesha and I run in pace together, however, this year we are still debating if we will do the same, or whether Ayiesha will remove my shackle and go for it with the rest of the Pro's.  If and when you decide to contribute, please do let us know your views on whether Ayiesha should leave me in the dust or not!

We sincerely thank you for your support, and hope that you will continue to help us in our quest for knowledge.

 

Ayiesha & Ragui Selwanes