Why We Run

So many families are affected by autism. I know, I am one of them. My name is Mike, and my wife Jeannie and I are proud parents of four children, two of whom are autistic. 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is four times more likely to strike boys than girls and typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

We established the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City to generate funds for autism awareness, advocacy and family services in 2008 with the goal of raising a couple of hundred dollars and to spreading awareness of Autism within our community. Over the past decade, the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism has generated nearly $1 Million to benefit Special Service Schools, Autism Support Groups, and Families of Special Needs Children. 

Jeannie and I are blown away by the support we have received within our community and to see how much we have grown in just a few years.

If you can think of one person who has autism, they are the reason you should participate. Lace-up your sneakers and head to Sea Isle City for the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism and come and help make their future a better one!

Donations

• Aspen Group- Adult Autistic Support Group
• FACES
• Cape May County Special Services
• Atlantic County Special Services
• Cape May Equestrian
• Hoops for All- Basketball for Children with Special Needs
• Davenport School-Autistic Program
• Hearts TR Center- Equestrian Center
• UT Challenger Sports
• Salem County Autism Center