I’m running the NYC marathon with Kulture City in memorial of my mother

Hello Friends!

My name is Antuan Gholston from Decatur, Alabama.  I currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama.  I am a native, a runner, and most importantly, an advocate for individuals with autism.

Over the past months, I have been training to run in the Ameris Bank marathon in Jacksonville, Florida that will be held on December 11, 2022.  I am running this particular marathon for Kulture for the inclusion of individuals with special needs. I have been a runner going on 7 years, completed 20 5Ks, 6 10Ks, 4 half marathons, and 4 marathons.  This will be my 5th marathon.  However, this is nearest to my heart as Kulture City’s mission align with my personal belief.

My goal is raise $500 for Kulture City. Will you help support me as I run 26.2 miles by donating toward my goal? No amount is little.  I thank you so much in advance for your support, and I hope to make those who support me proud?

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.

Back at it again for year 2. I’m running the NYC Marathon in support of KultureCity and KC Fit. It is an amazing group of individuals who are fueled not just by the desire to be better runners, swimmers, cyclists or athletes, but to use their passion to promote acceptance and inclusion of everyone, particularly those with invisible disabilities, and sensory needs. With 1 in 6 individuals in the USA having a sensory processing need, more efforts and fundraising are needed. Please consider supporting me in my fundraising goal!

Friends and family, as some of you know I will be running in the NYC Marathon this coming November. Fortunately, a friend  asked me to run with his team, Kulture City out of Birmingham, AL. In conjunction with the race we are raising funds for Kulture City which is the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. These are individuals with ptsd, autism, dementia, or strokes to name a few. Please feel free to make a donation and show some support for a special cause that helps so many who suffer from invisible disabilities. Thank you all for your generosity and support.

Adam

Why I’m running (again) in 2022:

INCLUSION is a word that carries it’s weight in gold.

Being an inclusive human being costs nothing. Think about a time you felt excluded in your life… and think about the barriers that individuals with visible and/or invisible disabilities face. Does exclusion feel like the norm for many of our peers? There are millions of stories that are not told – lets create memories, share stories and make the nevers possible for EVERYONE.

On April 8th, my dear friend David Jaffin’s mother, Roberta, tragically lost her battle with cancer. I watched David’s strength of making sure his mother’s memory lives on battle his sadness of her loss. David shared his interest in running the marathon with his mother, making sure to include her in this journey.  May we all display David’s strength and share our stories with those around us to further inclusion.

Positive vibes always,

Charity Charles

Why I ran in 2021:

• My mom, Momma Lerner, was a speech pathologist for elementary school students with invisible disabilities. I vividly remember going to work with her and experiencing the joy that she brought her students by making them feel included. Parents told her that because of her work, their children were able to communicate better. I remember thinking to myself how unfair it was that we could so easily go to a ballgame as a family, but that other families did not have the same opportunity for reasons they could not control. Kulture City is giving these families opportunities to experience the same joy that every child deserves.
• My dad, (legendary moustache) Abe, immigrated to America with his parents, both Holocaust survivors, when he was 8 years old without a dollar in his pocket and knowing no English. He started working at 14 years old, ultimately owned his own business #Avignone, and gave me the most incredible education any child could ask for.
• My Aunt Merle was in a car accident 38 years ago. After the doctors first said she would not survive, and then told her that she would never walk again, she (with the help of my mom, dad and her entire community) defied all odds through perseverance. To this day 38+ years later, although more often seen in her yellow motorized wheelchair endearingly nicknamed ‘bumble bee,’ she can still walk, feed herself, and inspires those around her.

I am running the marathon for all the families my mom impacted, for my dad’s parent’s, for my Aunt Merle and to create opportunities accessible for ALL people. These 26.2 miles are for all of you.

My ‘why’ in life is to make the world a more inclusive place – thank you for your support in this journey!

Hi folks! Thanks to the good people at Kulture City, they’ve allowed me the honor of running alongside this magical and special team in this year’s NYC Marathon (my first one…ever!).  I’m beyond excited to get this thing started, and I could really use your help along the way! If I’ve ever done right by you, or you’d just like to support me in any way out of the kindness of your heart, please consider making a donation as I hope to achieve my goal! KC is an incredible organization that creates sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities.  Again, thanks for your consideration, and I’ll see you in November!

Running 26.2 miles again this year in the NYC Marathon on Sun, Nov 6th, 2022, for KultureCity! Raising awareness and funds to help KultureCity further their mission to make our community and world more inclusive for those with sensory needs and invisible disabilities.

Join me as I train and run this year’s 2022 NYC Marathon and please help by donating through my fundraiser for KultureCity. I trained and ran last year’s NYC Marathon as a challenge to see if I could complete it after my 2018’s double surgery on my hip & hamstring. I was so happy to cross the finish line last year for KultureCity and those with sensory needs and invisible disabilities and to help raise money to continue many programs across the US and world including: providing Sensory Bags at public venues, providing Mobile Sensory Stations at events, continuing to provide Sensory Inclusive First Responder Certifications across the U.S., building more Sensory Activation Vehicles to take to outdoor events (baseball games/concerts) and indoor events (conferences/exhibitions) and many more!

Those with sensory needs includes children and adults with autism and Down’s syndrome, military veterans with PTSD, adults with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke patients and many more.
Learn more by visiting their website at https://www.kulturecity.org
Hoping to cross the finish line again this year. Please follow along each week with my training and please support my fundraiser for KultureCity!

If anyone ever asked me before March 2020 if I would ever run a marathon, my response was always, “hell no”.  Then March 2020 came and the world as we know it changed.   Pace of life slowed, anxieties rose and I thought to myself maybe I’ll try running. Since then it’s been an outlet for me both physically and mentally and I figure why not do it for a great cause.  Last year was my first marathon with the Kulture City team. I couldn’t imagine a more focused and dedicated group of individuals all working in tandem for the good of Inclusion.  On November 6th, 2022 I will look to tackle the NYC Marathon representing the KultureCity family for the 2nd time; the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. 1 in 6 individuals have a sensory need or an invisible disability.  These are individuals with ptsd, autism, dementia, strokes just to name a few, and need our help. Please feel free to make a donation and show some support for a special cause that helps so many who suffer from invisible disabilities. Thank you again for your generosity and support.

Breaking 3 (hours) for Inclusion! I am overjoyed to be running the New York City Marathon in support of Kulturecity’s mission to bring sensory inclusion across the nation (and world!). Through this fundraiser I hope to raise awareness and support for those with sensory needs. It is an absolute privilege to be running 26.2 miles all while spreading the message for inclusion with each step!

I am running the 26.2 miles of this year’s New York City marathon for inclusion. As a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration I was so moved to learn the mission of KultureCity and am honored to be a part of this amazing team.
Approximately 1 in 5 children experience sensory processing disorders. SPD may occur with Motor disorders, Neurological disorders, Genetic Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, and may also occur on its own. There are a wide variety of symptoms and presentation of over/under responses to sensory input. Some individuals may experience sound sensitivity, visual overwhelm, and touch sensitivity. Context and environment may significantly impact the nervous system and the ability to regulate their nervous system. KultureCity’s programs assist by creating safe experiences and the opportunity for accessible participation for ALL. Some venues in NYC that participate are the Bronx Zoo, and CitiField. This year I’m running for all of my kids past, present, and future because accessibility and diversity inclusion, and disability inclusion, should be commonplace in our society. Please join me in supporting this incredible cause!

My family has experienced the impact that sensory needs can have on an individual’s ability to participate in the community. I am running the NYC marathon to help raise awareness about sensory needs. I am excited to support Kulture City in their mission to make the world more inclusive and accepting for everyone.

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

I will run the NYC marathon on November 6th in support of KultureCity, an organization that creates possibility through sensory accessibility, acceptance and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities.

My whys: Persistence, Creativity, Inclusion

Anyone who knows me, will know that I am stubborn, or in more positive terms, persistent. While I fully understand the word no, and why it must often be used, I also know that it can be followed by a why or why not? What barrier could be removed, or what change could be made to create an opportunity, instead of a dead end? (I am not living if I am not creating something). And if I don’t have the answer, who else could I ask or enroll to help find one? I like to believe that challenges, like puzzles, can be met and solved, especially when we all come together. Everyone has something to offer, and the results can be pretty incredible when people feel included in bringing their contributions.

KultureCity appeals to me for the very simple reason that they work to solve the challenges to inclusion, by tackling the barriers to equal access for all. While I was first introduced to KultureCity through running and their philanthropical fitness branch, KCFit, my “eureka” moment came when I took a deeper dive into the story behind the organization and how they view inclusion. These three lines are so simple and yet so profound,

“You see, there is a fundamental difference between awareness and acceptance.

Awareness always gives you an out.

Acceptance does not.”

I will run the NY marathon on November 6th with all of my persistence, to help create inclusion and acceptance for all. I will run to honour all of those who work tirelessly for acceptance.

I love the work that KultureCity is doing to bring awareness to sensory needs out in the world. The team at KultureCity is supporting and training our team to be more aware of our employee’s needs. I love running. It is an entire body activity and challenge. Running the NYC Marathon with the KultureCity team is a dream come true.

Supporting expansion of programs that build inclusion for people with invisible disabilities.

I own a gym in Birmingham, AL and train six young men with sensory issues. Five of them have autism and one has Down syndrome. Almost all of them have completed a race from 5k’s to 10k’s to marathons to even a full marathon! So in their honor, in 2022, I am running six marathons and plan to raise $12,000 for sensory inclusion!