May 2009 my Nate was diagnosed with Autism. Finding out was the first step but accepting it was the most difficult one. With the support of my wonderful hubby and gorgeous family i was able to regroup my thoughts and focused on getting Nathan better. He is breaking through many barriers but still has a long way to go. Each day I find out that there are a lot of children facing the same challenge. On the 3rd anniversary of Nathan's diagnosis I will be running/walking/crawling the OC Marathon as a way to return to the community all the amazing support we recieve. Weaver Elementry, Leafwing, and other entities make my son's recovery that much easier :)

TRAIN 4 AUTISM wrote -

Autism currently affects 1 in every 91 children today. It is estimated there are over 1 million people in the United States alone with autism. Autism affects each individual differently and at different levels of severity. Some people with autism are severely affected, cannot speak, require constant one-on-one care, and are never able to live independently. While others who have less severe symptoms, can communicate, and eventually acquire the necessary skills to live on their own.

Train 4 Autism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by parents of children with autism. Train 4 Autism is a foundation dedicated to bringing together a community of athletes, physically active, and socially conscious people who are committed to raising awareness and funds for research and treatment for those living with Autism and their families. Fund raising and volunteer opportunities for individual athletes, teams and entire families include marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, walks, triathlons, swimming, and cycling events.

Today, there are many treatment centers and research programs all doing vital work, and all carrying different yet important messages and missions. Train 4 Autism provides the infrastructure, technology, and support for participants to raise funds and contribute to the programs about which they are most passionate.

Train 4 Autism is proud to partner with Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). Funds raised with the 2012 OC Marathon Train 4 Autism team benefit TACA in support of the wonderful work that they do for the Autism Community. TACA is a parent founded nonprofit organization based in Orange County CA. 

Welcome to the team! Send us your information and we'll connect you with our Team Coach Nadine Echeverrey who will work with you to get you to your goal. We have coached team group runs every weekend. Visit our OC FB Group page for details (when/where).