My Story…
If you had told us a year ago that we'd be training for a half marathon, we probably would've laughed....and then gone to sit down somewhere comfortable. :)
Eric and I grew up together, dated in high school, graduated side-by-side and now married for 38 years. Life has taken us through many seasons, including Eric’s military service and retirement, and now into his second career with an amazing Insurance Company, while Jeanie has been working for almost 22 years as an accounting controller with an awesome Auto Group. Our 4 kids have blessed us with 9 amazing grandchildren and #10 is on the way!
About a year ago, we decided it was time to focus on our health and start a weight loss journey together. Around that same time, unbeknownst to us, my sister Kay was on her own journey too - and somewhere along the way, the three of us decided to take on this journey together.
Now, here we are, training for a half marathon to be held in Pittsburgh on May 3rd!
Between the three of us, we've lost over 300 pounds, and we are not done yet! What started as small steps turned into bigger goals - and somehow (still not entirely sure how!) it led us here.
For the past 6 months, we have been training through it all - cold mornings, rainy days, and even the lovely North Carolina haze of pollen that seems determined to take us out before race day. And just to keep things interesting, this winter, Eastern North Carolina decided to surprise us with a rare snowstorm. While most people with any common sense were warm inside their homes, we bundled up and still got in our morning and evening walks - because apparently at this point, we've lost all sense of what "normal" people do!
Why this cause matters to us
We're in this marathon, not just for ourselves, but for someone very special ~~ our grandson.
Our first grandson has autism, and he is one of the brightest, most incredible little people we know! He has such a brilliant mind! Watching him grow, learn and experience the world has given us a deeper understanding of both the challenges and the beauty that come with autism.
That is why we've chosen to support autism research. Every step we take in this race is for greater awareness, better resources, and continued research that helps children like him thrive and reach their full potential.
How you can help
If you feel led to support us, we would be so grateful for any donation - big or small. And if donating isn't possible, your encouragement and support mean just as much to us!
Eric and I will be thinking of all of you as we cross that finish line (likely sweaty, probably tired, but definitely proud!)
Thank you ALL for being a part of our journey!
Description
Please help support me by making a contribution to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your family and friends. Every dollar I raise will advance the Organization for Autism Research's great cause!
WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.
Here are some of the ways that OAR uses the funds raised by the RUN FOR AUTISM team:
$10 - provides a Curriculum in a Box professional development sent to general education teachers.
$25 - provides 15 copies of A Guide to Safety to families and first responders.
$100 - provides the Kit for Kids peer education resource to an entire elementary or middle school.
$150 - provides 100 copies of a Life Journey through Autism guidebook sent to a community support group or military installation.
$1,000 - provides a research grant for a graduate student studying autism.
$3,000 - provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college.
$50,000 - fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 28 | Wilson Lewis | $27.48 |
| Mar 28 | Gayle Kotch | $27.48 |
| Mar 28 | Karl Messner | $107.35 |
| Mar 27 | Kathleen Stanley | $6.18 |
