Charlize H

Introduction!!

A Summary to read :

I’m taking part in Run for Autism 2026 because autism is something very personal to me, especially because of my younger brother, Gilbert. He is autistic, has high support needs and is non-verbal. As the eldest of my siblings, helping to care for Gilbert has become a normal part of my life since 2024. Through the ups and downs and challenges that come with being his sister, I’ve gained a more personal understanding of how autism can affect not only the individual, but their family too. Gilbert has taught me to be more compassionate, patient, tolerant and understanding towards people who may be different from me. I want to take part to raise awareness and hopefully make even a small difference. 

My story :

Hello everyone.

I don’t usually take part in fundraising and things like this, but this year I’m taking part in Run for Autism 2026 in Australia for something that is very personal to me.

To be honest, autism is something that has stuck with me ever since the day my younger brother, Gilbert, was born. Gilbert is autistic, has support needs and is non-verbal. Being a sister to someone with autism has its ups and downs. It gives me a more personal understanding and perspective of how autism can affect not only the individual or the person who has autism, but others as well, especially their family.

I know most of you don’t know me personally, and most of you probably don’t talk to me, or maybe you don’t really care about my story, and honestly, that’s okay. I’m not trying to guilt trip anyone or beg anyone for money and I apologize if I ended up doing that on accident. I just wanted to let you know why I’m doing this because it is very personal to me, especially because of my brother.

As Gilbert’s sister, there are times when I need to help look after him when my mum is working or needs an extra hand. Sometimes that means preparing his food, feeding him, helping with what he needs, and making sure he doesn’t do anything that could hurt himself.

But this is a responsibility that is put on me, and even though I may not feel like it sometimes, I am happy to do this because, well, he is my brother. I am his big sister, well the eldest of the kids anyways so I am making sure that my brothers are okay.

It has been hard for me at times, especially while trying to balance school, my own life and helping my family. But at the same time, I’ve learned a lot from it.

Honestly, Gilbert has taught me so much. He has taught me to be compassionate towards people like him, to be patient, to be brave, and to try to understand people who may be different from me.

There’s no way that I’m able to completely understand what Gilbert experiences, no matter how much I try. But at least I can try to make him feel comfortable, make him feel safe, and make him feel that he is alright.

And to be honest, that’s all that you can hope for. When you love someone, especially someone in your family, you just want to hope that they are able to live a happy life.

That is why I want to take part in Run for Autism. I want to help raise awareness about autism and give people even just a glimpse of what autistic people and their families may go through every day. I want people to understand that sometimes, you just need a little support for people with autism and their families.

I know that I can’t change everything, but even if I can help just a little bit, I want to do that.

Whether I run one kilometre, two kilometres, or whatever I am able to do, I want to know that I am participating in something that can help other autistic people and their families.

And honestly, you don’t necessarily have to donate either. Maybe you can try participating yourself. Maybe you can join the Run for Autism, get your friends or family involved, or even just take some time to learn more about autism. Who knows, maybe participating in something like this may be good for you too. You get to challenge yourself, do something active, raise awareness, and at the same time help support something that can genuinely make a difference to other people. 

Every bit of support means a lot to me. Every dollar, every donation, every share, or even just taking the time to read this means something to me because it shows that people are willing to listen to someone’s story and help, even if it is only a little bit.

So thank you so much for stopping by and reading my story. And if you can’t donate, that is completely okay. You can share this, learn a little more about autism, talk to someone about it, or maybe even participate in an event like this yourself.

I’m really grateful for everyone who chooses to support me on this journey, whether that is through a donation, a share, participating alongside me, or simply taking the time to understand why this means so much to me.

Thank you so much.

I’m joining the movement to Run for Autism. But I need your help.

Why am I running 70km this October? Because 70% of Autistic people face mental health challenges.

I’m running towards a more inclusive world where Autistic Australians have the opportunity to thrive. 

Please donate now and show your support to my fundraiser.  You’ll be helping provide early diagnosis, autism-specific education, and critical research into mental health issues experienced by Autistic people so they can access the support they need to realise their different brilliant®. 

You’ll also give me the motivation I need to log my kilometres as I go the distance throughout October. Donate now to show your support. 

Thank you!