Hi Friends & Family.

It has been a few years!  I decided that it is time for me to get back out there & run the Chicago Marathon.

This year I will be fundraising for Organization for Autism Research.

As many of you know, our little guy had some developmental delays when he was a baby ~ we realized this when he had fewer words than expected when he was around 2 years old.  As a family, we did a lot of research and early intervention and I was very concerned about Autism.  

Noah is doing amazing (we can't believe there was a time he wasn't talking) - he was not diagnosed with ASD but I now understand the challenges and fears that parents experience surrounding this disease.  

I want to help raise awareness of this disease, to help families that are in need of both medical and emotional support.  Early intervention is such a critical factor in treating ASD - every family should have the opportunity and resources to provide therapy to their child as soon as they feel it is necessary.  

A few facts about Autism that I did not know:

Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys.

Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism.

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined, yet it receives significantly less funding than all of these diseases.

Thank you for visiting my  Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is fast and totally secure.  Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

XOXO ~ Stacey Kaplan (& family)