I am running for two specific reasons.  First, I am honoring my amazing son who is on the spectrum and why I chose to support and fundraise for this foundation.  It has been a journey with him as we have navigated his education and all the next steps once he was out of school.  While we have had our challenges, I am forever grateful for the teachers, friends, and family that have supported him and continue to support him. As his mom, I am so grateful for the jobs he has had to gain experience and just 3 years ago he got his license and drives to work!!  When he was 4 yrs old and got his diagnosis I could never imagine all the things he would be able to accomplish.  It takes a village!!  

My second reason is to dedicate this race to my best friend’s husband who died in a helicopter crash while supporting Arizona public safety officers during an active shooter situation just this past February.  We all met in college while our husbands were doing their Marine Corps training and we have been friends for almost 40 years.  He was an avid runner and loved his family dearly, his faith, and his country.  He has touched countless people with his example and service.  There are no words to describe how much we miss him. I know he would be very proud of me doing this race and staying active.  

Any support for me doing this race is deeply appreciated!!!