My Reason to Run

Meet Lex. He wants a rollercoaster for Christmas.

This is my reason to run.

Most people don't know much about autism. Some people don't know anything about autism. Medical professionals don't even really know much about autism. They don't know what causes autism, how to prevent it, or how to cure it. That is why it is so essential to donate towards Organization for Autism Research. Some people refer to autism as a disability, but children and adults with autism amaze me.

Autistic children are not "slow." They are are actually very gifted. Lex can learn and navigate new technology with ease. Hand me an iPhone (I'm a Droid user), and I look like a monkey trying to disassemble a bomb. Lex picked up an iTouch and instantly knew how to work it, with no instruction or outside influence.

Like any kid, Lex loves Thomas the Tank Engine. But unlike any other kid, it doesn't stop there. While some kids may just play with trains, Lex is able to learn - he wants to learn everything there is to know about trains. He is able to memorize facts with a proficiency that would make any college student envious. Heck, it would make anyone jealous. His mind is like a sponge. It contains SO much knowledge for his short life. Sure, it may have taken him a while to talk - and social interaction is tough. But that is NO measure of how brilliant this little guy is.

His mind, and the mind of every autistic child, is actually 17% bigger than yours. There are studies to prove it. He is smarter than you.

I can't buy Lex a rollercoaster for Christmas. I can't protect him or his mom from ignorant beings that judge them due to lack of knowledge. But I can help dispel myths about autism. Education is powerful. This is why I am running for Organization for Autism Research. The more we learn, the more we can help Lex by understanding just how that genius little mind works and further unlock the amazing potential that is hidden from us.

'

Tis the season. You can't buy Lex a rollercoaster, even though he deserves one. But, you can spare a couple extra dollars for autism research.

Click here to head to my personal fundraising page for the Houston Marathon. You know you can't resist that adorable face.