By Ruth Donlin, MS
The 43rd ING New York City Marathon held on November 3, 2013 was welcomed with great enthusiasm and worldwide spectator support as thousands of people gathered along the 26.2 mile course through all five boroughs. Fittingly, the race commemorated the heroes and victims of super storm Sandy and those who were affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.
Of the 50,266 marathon finishers, Team ASAT Captain Bobby Newman and four volunteer runners, Randy Horowitz, Sheila Jodlowski, and 23-year-old twins Alex and Jamie Schneider diagnosed with autism, are to be congratulated. They each dedicated extensive time and training to complete the run, and we are grateful and honored to be their chosen charity to support.
We would also like to thank all the individuals who donated to Team ASAT. These donations make it possible to continue providing a free monthly newsletter, along with other valuable resources to families and consumers by disseminating information regarding evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorders. ASAT is committed to helping people understand the difference between sensational claims of how to help or cure autism versus science-based research that guides effective intervention. In addition to all the excitement gearing up for this international event, ASAT was thrilled when ABC’s (Good Morning America) was so inspired by the Schneider twins, that they interviewed the family, filmed the boys in training, and aired two exclusive video clips about them and their family the day of the marathon. Alex and Jamie have severe autism with limited communication skills and understanding of safety in the community. However, both are gifted athletes and love to run. This was their first time participating in the NYC Marathon as well as first time fundraising for ASAT. Alex beat his personal best, clocking in with a run time of 3:14.35! To read more about their captivating story, click here
The success of this event was made memorable by our team runners; we also would like to extend our thanks to the New York Road Runners and to the ABC staff and crew who provided wonderful media coverage and mentioned ASAT. Here is another clip
As a result of this publicity, the Schneiders’ inspirational story generated a tremendous response in social media, as well as a mention in dozens of publications including Runner’s World and the Huffington Post.
If you have ever wanted to run in the NYC Marathon, there is an opportunity for you to run and contribute to our worthy charity. By joining Team ASAT, a fundraising page will be set up for you online through the NYC marathon and Crowdrise. Your friends and family can then sponsor you to help you meet your fundraising requirement.
If you are interested, please contact Ruth Donlin at: asatevents@asatonline.org.
There is STILL time to help support the twins’ charity fundraising or to support Team ASAT by going to Crowdrise
