Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

Two of my grandchildren have been diagnosed with Autism and we have seen the effects first hand.  For those of you that haven’t had a close connection with Autism you are fortunate, but you are also in the minority.  From the statistics above, you can see that Autism is affecting more and more people every day and the search for a cure is more pressing. 

In 2007, my daughters, and I decided that we were not going to let that trend continue.  This was the year we decided to do our part in the search for a cure to end this horrible epidemic.  On Sunday May, 6th 2007 we participated in the Cincinnati Flying Pig Race.  This is a run/walk race that is held in the City of Cincinnati every year.  Two of my daughters, Jodi and Kimm, and I walked the half marathon (13.1 miles) and my daughter, Stephanie ran the half marathon.

In 2007, our first year, we raised over $5,500 in our mission with the help of participating in the walk/run or by donating to our cause.  Our goal is to raise awareness and money to further the funding for Autism research.  All of the donations we receive will be given to the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati and will be used specifically for research.   

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.  We hope you join us in years to come for the walk/run.  If you can’t join us on race day please  make a donation to the Greater Cincinnati Autism Society.  More details about the race and Autism can be found on the web-site.   

Thank you for all your support, time, and donations,

Janet