My Story…
šāĀ Running for My Brother, Running for Autism AwarenessĀ š§©
On May 3rd, Iām lacing up my running shoes for more than just the challenge of 13.1 miles ā Iām running for my brother Geoffrey, who inspires me every single day.
Hi, I'm Brooke Schaefers and I'm an avid runner originally from the Pittsburgh area. Moving to San Diego for work, I found my love for running and challenging myself through different races of all distances. One of the hardest parts of moving away was leaving behind not only my best friend, but my biggest supporter, Geoffrey.Ā
Geoffrey was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and has faced many challenges throughout his life to be the amazing person he is today. Despite the stereotypes placed on someone with autism, my brother proved that autism isn't a disability, it's a different ability. Geoffrey graduated from college, holds a full time job, plays the violin, and has published numerous children's books to inspire individuals just like him. My brother lives with autism, and through his journey, Iāve seen firsthandĀ the strength, resilience, and the incredible spirit of my brotherĀ as well as the struggles he faces in life.Ā Iām showing the world that autism is not a limitation, but a different way of experiencing and conquering challenges.
OnĀ May 3rd, Iāll be running the PittsburghĀ half marathonĀ to raise funds forĀ theĀ Organization for Autism Research, which provides vital programs, advocacy, and opportunities for individuals with autism and their families. Every step I take will be fueled by love, determination, and the hope for a more inclusive world. Every step I run, is one step forward for making successful futures for individuals with autism. I'm running for Geoffrey - my forever best friend and myĀ HOPE.
How You Can Help: š§©
Donate: Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
Share: Spread the word to help me reach more hearts.
Cheer Me On: Your encouragement will carry me across the finish line!Ā Together, we can turn miles into meaningful change.
Thank you for supporting my run, my brother, and the autism community.Ā š
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, youāre supporting OARās 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 27 | Aunt Judy & Uncle Bob | $267.10 |
| Apr 27 | Suzanne Schaefers | $107.35 |
