This year I will be running the NYC Marathon with KultureCity, a fantastic organization that helps both kids and adults with sensory accessibility and acceptance.

KultureCity has made a big difference in the way my family interacts with our community.  I feel so fortunate to have access to one of their trailers at all of our town events, allowing me to bring my 5 year old son Sam out to experience new things from morning street fairs to night time parades and their free sensory bag now come with us every new place we visit.

Because of KultureCity my family is able to participate so much more in our community, knowing we can comfortably expose Sam to new experiences while having some support, just in case.  I have a goal of raising $5,000 to help other people like Sam get the same sort of support in their communities.  Thank you so much for considering a donation, I really appreciate it!

This year, Lift 4 Autism and KultureCity are designating funds raised for autism families struggling in the face of financial difficulties. Last year we raised nearly $135,000, and we are so excited to see how the romance reading community rallies around families during these extraordinary times.

I am the proud mom of two beautiful boys, Ethan and Owen. In 2021 Ethan was diagnosed with Autism and so began the process of learning, understanding, and adapting to life with a child whose needs are different from his peers. For sometime, Ethan had struggled in social situations–we’d mostly noted that he was shy, but his shyness was at times paralyzing. It hurt to watch him not be able to enjoy events and places that other children navigated with ease and joy. The impact of this was pervasive; no person in our family was unaffected. If Ethan got anxious or uncomfortable, so did we. Oftentimes we would make changes (bringing two cars to parties, leaving playgrounds early if Ethan was overwhelmed) that directly impacted Owen’s experience and that caused him to miss opportunities that he’d otherwise enjoy. In these moments, it felt like choosing sides–picking one child’s needs and  preferences over the others. The guilt of making these decisions was crushing and cruel. 

One day I bought a family membership to a local zoo. As we entered I saw a sign indicating that the zoo was sensory friendly and made note to read more about the organization designated on the sign–KultureCity. As I began to scroll through the website I was awestruck. I downloaded the app and we used it that week, over spring break. I shared the social stories found on the app with both boys as we visited several places that were KC certified. Both children liked looking at the pictures and knowing what was to be expected, I felt less anxious because I knew we were prepared. More importantly, there were spaces and tools for us to use if needed; we could do things differently, rather than being denied. 

I had been an avid runner for a while before kids, before an Autism diagnosis, before I knew about KultureCity. I have turned to running as an outlet for stress many times in my life and I’m grateful for all that running has given me (health, friendship, and sense of accomplishment).  In 2020 I decided that I’d begin working towards running a marathon in all 50 states. While it is a long term goal, I am happy to partner with KCfit along the way. This year I will be running the Chicago Marathon, Antelope Canyon 50 Miler (my first 50), The Flying Pig Marathon and finally New York City 26.2. My goal is to not only fundraise for sensory acceptance and adaptive programs but to share my experience in hopes of helping others. Purpose is powerful and I am excited to run for an organization that I feel deeply connected to.

Hey there, Friends and Family!

I will be competing in the Chattanooga Full Ironman race on September 25th in support of KultureCity – an organization that creates possibilities through sensory accessibility, acceptance and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities.

While I am excited to swim 2.4 miles, bike 116 and run 26.2 I am more inspired to support an organization that works tirelessly for acceptance and a better future for children with autism, veterans with PTSD, those with strokes, down syndrome and more.

The KultureCity mission and community has inspired me to my core. After completeing several Ironman half distance races, my fitness journey has led me to a new challenge. In my heart, I knew the hundreds of hours of training and planning must equate to something more important than a bucket list accomplishment. Your support means the world to myself and KultureCity. I can’t wait to keep you up to date throughout my training! Learn more about this amazing organization, here: https://www.kulturecity.org

Drew Magid