26.2 for Autism

Today’s post is a guest post. My darling hubby is running yet another marathon in May. But, this is the most important one he’s ever run. No longer are his goals to be Boston bound or break 3 hrs (although either or both of those would be AH-MAZING). This time around, he’s running for the Z man. And for every other family in Colorado touched by autism. He’s running to raise money for the Autism Society of Colorado. Below is the fund raising letter he’s sending out to friends and family. We, of course, would be thrilled with any support you’re able to give. But, mostly, I’m posting this to increase awareness. It is Autism Awareness month afterall.

April 2011

Dear family and friends,

I hope your 2011 is going great. As you may know, April is Autism Awareness Month, but as you may not know, autism is something that our family has been living with since November 2009.

Each year 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with autism, and it is also estimated that 4 in 10 people know someone with autism. About 18 months ago, my son Zach was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a disorder that lies on the autism spectrum. We’re fortunate that Zach is high functioning, and we’re blessed in that Zach’s strengths are many. With the therapy he’s been receiving, coupled with our understanding of what he’s dealing with, I’m happy to say that Zach (or as I like to call him, “The Zachman” or “The Zach Attack”) is doing great. But there is no cure, and there are families that are challenged with a much tougher situation.

For that reason, I contacted The Autism Society of Colorado (ASC) to see how I could become more involved. With their help, we’ve founded The ASC’s Running Team, and I am training for the Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon on May 15^th (just 4 weeks away!), and we’re hoping to raise some much needed funding and awareness for the Autism Society of Colorado.

Since getting involved with ASC, I have been amazed at how much the organization is able to do for such a large population. With their mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism, ASC provides information for families affected by the diagnosis; advocates for policies to help families and individuals and provides families with an atmosphere to enjoy the simple pleasures of going out to dinner or seeing a movie together.

As I am now I crunch time, please consider supporting me and the organization as I run in the Colfax Marathon on May 15, 2011.

There are two ways to donate:

• You can visit www.autismcolorado.org, click on the “Donate” button

OR

• Mail a check to:

The Autism Society of Colorado
550 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Suite 100
Lakewood, CO 80226

Either way, please be sure to note my name and the Colfax marathon. Of course, all donations are tax deductible.

So, on behalf of The Zach Attack, me, and all the other families who live each and every day with this challenge, thank you for all your help and support!

Thanks,

Jim