Russell was diagnosed at 2 1/2 years old and they told us he would most likely never speak or be able to participate in most typical school settings. Flash forward 8 years and sometimes I feel awful for asking him to be quiet. He also participates in every special that the typical students in his school do with very minimal assistance... to a special needs parent this is just as amazing as when the Eagles won the Super Bowl! The autism journey we have been on has been long, stressful and to say I wouldn’t change it would be a lie. But I can’t so we have began to do our own typical and keep hope that there will be many opportunities for our intelligent and hilarious son! That’s why I am running! To make the future typical for Russell. My hope is that he can fit into a world with sharp edges and unclear lines. And more importantly  that the world can adjust to his edges and lines. On May 19, 2018 I will join the entire Philadelphia Eagles organization and thousands of Philadelphia area residents who will ride, run or walk to raise funds for innovative research and programs to help unlock the mystery of autism. 100% of participant-raised funds will go directly towards autism research and programs at a coalition of leading institutions including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Drexel University and Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. I need your support to reach my goal and assist those currently affected as well as future generations. Thank you!