Many of you are aware that two of the passions in my life are my children and running. This past November, after running way too many marathons, I finally qualified to run in the upcoming Boston Marathon. While running Boston will be a celebration of sorts for me, I also want to use it as an opportunity to raise research funds for the fight against autism.
As some of you are aware, my son Austin struggles with severe autism. Despite the best efforts of a dedicated team of therapists, his teachers at school, and others who work with and support him, Austin's life is profoundly affected by this puzzling disease. Austin is not alone in his struggle. Autism affects, to varying degrees, 1 in 166 births and is estimated to affect 1.7 million Americans. It is more prevalent than Down Syndrome, childhood diabetes, and childhood cancer COMBINED. Although some exciting treatments and therapies have been developed over the past few years, autism remains incurable.
I hope you will consider supporting me, and Austin, in the fight against autism. None of your contribution will go toward travel or race entry fee -- 100% will go toward autism research. Thank you in advance for your consideration. It means a lot to both of us!
Jeff and Austin
