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(NYC Marathon)

Mark Letizia, 2009 Lacrosse For Autism Fundraising Initiative

On Sunday, November 1, 2009, for the first time in my life I will be running a marathon, and not just any marathon but the New York City Marathon. Training for my first marathon is an intense challenge for me. I've never attempted to put my body through the extreme physical stress that's required and I've never had to prepare my head for the emotional endurance that is absolutely essential. So what's driving me?

My motivation has a name and a face which fill my thoughts while I train. I'm running for my 14-year old autistic niece, Jessica; my sole inspiration. I can't heal her, I can't communicate with her, and I can't even begin to consider the obstacles she faces - I'll never fully understand Jessica's daily struggle. I often feel overwhelmingly helpless. But, running is something I know I can do, this marathon is a challenge I can meet. I can devote my time and tax my body and mind in this endeavor to raise money for autism research and promote awareness on behalf of my young niece because in her marathon, there is no finish line. I can honor Jessica and show my support by running the New York City marathon as a fundraiser for Lacrosse For Autism and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.

While training for this marathon I also keep in mind my good friends who have sons, nieces, and cousins on the autism spectrum. It's a reminder to me that my story isn't unique, I'm not alone. Many other families share my personal struggle and infinite inspiration.

My charity of choice is Lacrosse Unlimited’s Lacrosse for Autism because of my strong ties to the game and the cause.

I have been involved with lacrosse since I was 7 years old and this year marks 25 years as a player, coach or referee. I have been coaching lacrosse in the Syracuse area for the past 10 years and I am currently in my 3rd year as a Varsity Assistant Coach at Onondaga Central Jr/Sr High School and in the spring of 2010 I will be the head coach.

Lacrosse’s impact on me goes much deeper than the sport itself. In my life, I learned to work hard on the lacrosse field as it has transferred to my career and I have become very successful. My will to work hard at my job, be a great member to my family, work very hard with my relationships all because of the values I learned from lacrosse. I recall hours and hours of practices and wondered how can we work this hard, and just when you thought you couldn’t work any harder, we did. Lacrosse instilled in me a will to never give up and a will to win like I have never seen and I will never forget. Lacrosse has taught me to be the best I can be in my life though hard work and dedication. I am who I am today in part because of what I learned from Lacrosse.

I've set my expectations high - my goal is to raise $20,000 and I'm seeking your support and assistance. I welcome your contribution in support of my commitment and continued education, treatment, and research for autism in honor of Jessica Letizia and all of the other families out there affected by Autism. Please visit www.lax4autism.com for more about the charity.

If you are mailing in a check please make it out to:
Lacrosse For Autism C/O NYC Marathon
59 Gilpin Ave
Hauppauge, NY 11788

**It is very important that you clearly include the NYC Marathon portion so we can keep track of the funds raised!

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