I am the proud father of a beautiful, amazing boy named Dylan, who also happens to have severe autism. I am also a Board Member at the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) in Smithtown, where Dylan receives a wide range of life changing and life enriching services. I am also an avid runner and advocate for Dylan and his peers.
To this end, I will be running the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 6th, which will be my third marathon. I am running this marathon to benefit DDI. State and Federal support of DDI’s Programs fall far short of what is required to provide the quality and breadth of services Dylan and his peers need and deserve. Fundraising must make up the difference. Dylan’s Adult Day Program building in Smithtown is in need of a new roof, which is what I am earmarking this effort to.
People ask why I run marathons or how I do it. Training is 7 days a week for 4 months. A marathon is not unlike the journey I am on to do the best for Dylan and to tirelessly advocate for his rights and well-being. When my legs get heavy and body gets weary, what keeps me going is the thought that my challenges or struggles are small to none, in comparison to the daily challenges and struggles Dylan faces, that he did not ask for. I think I can run 26.2 miles any day, or contribute time or money to support DDI, any day.
Thanks for reading and for your support!