Race for Autism 5K~

Kori Michele
Mar 27, 2017
3 min read

The Race 4 Autism was one of my favorite memories to date. If anyone knows me, they know that Autism has a huge place in my heart. Let's rewind for a moment and reflect on my volunteer time, passionate work, and eternal love for people with Autism. My first introduction was when I was hired with an amazing non-profit that provided the resources and tools to not only help children on the ASD, but also families cope with the daily struggles of having a child with special needs. Taking care of kids is hard enough in itself but you can't imagine what it is like to take care of a child with special needs. While I was working at the nonprofit, I had the opportunity to start the first ever Jr. Lifeguard Autism Program. I worked with other professionals to help these little Jr. Guards achieve their dream of swimming in the ocean. If I could be remembered for one thing, I would want my efforts to be highlighted for playing a role in starting the 1st San Diego Special Needs Jr. Lifeguard Program.Even though the non-profit I worked for helped and changed so many families lives, little did they know they changed my life forever. After I left the nonprofit, I began pursuing a career as a Behavioral Interventionist in hopes of becoming an Occupational Therapist that provides natural and holistic remedies to kids with special needs such as:Yoga, Aquatic Therapy, Art Therapy,and Nutritional Therapy.I was then hired with a company that did natural ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis). Upon waiting for this new opportunity to unfold, I was going to school as a Child Development Major and working as Nanny. I have learned throughout the years that I love a lot of things on my plate at once. Balancing a bunch of plates, makes me not only more productive, but ultimately more impactful. So now fast forward to this past weekend at The Race 4 Autism I just ran...

This race dedicates their proceeds to Autism Research and raises awareness about ASD. The San Diego Race for Autism helps thousands of families everywhere. How I stumbled upon this amazing event was through my dear friend Brooke Benson. She is the CEO of her own health, fitness, natural beauty and wellness company that helps empower and inspire people to look and feel their best selves. She is incredible, and I mean that. Spend just five minutes with her and you feel and will be blushing by how sweet and understanding she is. So she created a team called The Jackson 5 for her son Jackson, who also happens to be 5 years old for this race. Let me share pictures with you that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Here is the whole gang: In other words the Real Superheroes

These kids are rockstars and have the best energy on the planet, not to mention they are much faster runners than I am!

This next picture collage is of one of my best friend's Danielle, she is an angel. This is true friendship right here! We have been best friends since high school. She is loving, compassionate, kind, nonjudgmental, and one of the most beautiful people I know. I really am so lucky to have her in my life.

And this picture concludes the race! I really can't thank you enough for taking time to read this post. This is something that fills my heart with so much love and gratitude.

Outfit Details Below:

* I am not compensated for these details, I just wanted to share what I was wearing. Surprisingly I was comfortable in this Superhero getup *

Red Jumpsuit: Mileage Boutique

Black and White Striped Belt: Charlotte Russe

Cobalt Blue Scuba Skirt: Also Charlotte Russe

Wonder Woman Socks: California Sock Company

White Converse

XOXO,

Kori Michele