We're joining the movement to Run for Autism
We’re running 70km for autism because this cause is deeply personal to our family. Our beautiful 4 year old twin boys are autistic, have high support needs, and are non-verbal. They are the reason we show up each day with love, determination and hope.
They are bright, curious, and full of joy, bringing so much love, laughter, and meaning to our lives. But alongside that joy, we navigate real challenges every day. Their world requires patience, understanding, and support, and through their journey, we’ve learned just how important true acceptance, inclusion, and community really are.
Their laughter, energy, and unique way of experiencing the world inspire us to keep pushing for a future where they not only understood but truly accepted and embraced for who they are.
For us, this isn’t only about raising awareness. It’s about building a world where autistic people are welcomed, included and embraced for who they are. A world where differences are celebrated, where support is accessible , and where every autistic person feels safe to be their authentic self.
Run for Autism highlights that 70% of autistic people face mental health challenges, often because society isn’t yet designed with their needs in mind. By taking on this 70km challenge, we’re helping to deliver vital services and create autism friendly environments where autistic people can thrive, feel valued and live their best lives.
We’re running for our boys, for their future, their wellbeing, and their right to grow up in a world that sees their different brilliant ® as something to celebrate.
We’re running for every autistic person who deserves acceptance, understanding, and inclusion.
We’re running to help create the kind of world our boys deserve.
Thank you for supporting our team. Your generosity means so much to our family and helps create a brighter future for children like our boys.
Thank you to our Sponsors
$323
Dave Wood
$152
Facebook Donation
$150
Jenny Chung
You are inspirational ❤️
$145
Facebook Donation
$124
Katherine Miller
$107
Nicola Middleton
Well done, James, while this is to encourage you with your running, you can be excused, too, if you don't meet your target as parenting is a time consuming challenge!
$107
Joe H
$107
Katherine Miller
$106
James Russo
$101
Facebook Donation
$100
Molly Elliot
$100
Adam T
You're an inspiration to us all!
$100
Facebook Donation
$100
Facebook Donation
$100
Meg Black
Great work James. An amazing effort for such an important cause.
$79
Ben Bransgrove
Go you good thing.
$67
Anonymous
If you don't make it to 70km this donation is to go to the boys total! Good work mate great cause well worth all of our support.
$67
Tracey Downey
What a great cause. Well done mate.
$67
Hayley Roberts
So proud of you guys! Being a support worker, I see how beautiful people with Autism can be and emphasise with the challenges parents face day in and day out!
$67
Brillinger
$67
Jamie Muchall
$67
Rosie Jones
Good Luck! 🎉
$67
Get Flossed
Nice work guys 💙💙
$67
Chris Meadmore
$67
Mary Bentley
$67
Anonymous
$65
Alexandra Miller
$65
Amanda Miller
$60
Nic Stack
All the best Mick!
$60
Raden Sucalit
Go, Alex!
$60
Shell B :)
Go Mel and Mick! Great work so far, you've got this!
$58
Toni R
Yeahhhh buddyyyyyy
$56
Abbey Jarvis
Amazing work Jimmy James! Proud of efforts
$56
Rebecca Hill
Getting it started 🩵🩵
$56
Lisa Monos
$56
Anonymous
Hi James They sound like great kids. While I don't know anyone in my immediate circle who has autism, I've been learning lots more about it recently through a show on the ABC I love called "The Assembly". I watch an episode every time I cook dinner and am almost at the end of the three seasons. All the best for the run!
$56
Mavis Brown
Well done
$56
Annie Sivier
I’m proud to support Run for Autism and this wonderful cause that is very close to my heart. 💙 Every step, every donation and every bit of support helps create greater understanding, inclusion and opportunities for people with autism and their families. Wishing everyone taking part a fantastic run! 🏃♀️💙
$56
Bec P
You've got this Russo's! Here's to a world that celebrates different minds 💙💙
$56
Ben Sebo
Great cause guys!
$55
Boffo Real Estate And Public Sector People
This matched donation has been generously provided by Boffo Real Estate and Public Sector People.
$55
Nicole Anderson
Best Mumma EVA❤️
$51
Facebook Donation
$51
Facebook Donation
$51
Facebook Donation
$50
Facebook Donation
$50
Facebook Donation
$50
Facebook Donation
$50
Facebook Donation
$45
Peter Mitchell
Great cause, well done to the both of you.
$45
Jemma Day
Proud of you as always! Go girl xx
$43
Erin
Such an important cause to be fundraising and raising awareness!
$43
Robyn Bryant
I think you will go the distance, amazing work
$43
Chloe Comino
$43
Kate Stone
$43
Facebook Donation
$42
Leanne M
Well done James. Go you good thing!
$38
Bianca F
Go James! 😊
$38
Ellie Barnes
Stellar effort, Forrest! Happy to donate some KMs as well
$38
Jade
Best of Luck from the Isle of Man 🇮🇲
$34
Alex Mccall
Great job, reach your goal.
$34
Matt Thorpe
$34
Bawany Satgunanathan
All the best for your run! We are cheering for you, Alex!
$29
Brittany Mcleod
$29
Andrew Simmonds
$29
Joanne Simmonds
$29
Kel Ninnes
Well done Mick! All the best for the run too!
$26
Facebook Donation
$25
Sparkys On The Loose
Good work Russo
$24
Jodie D
What an amazing advocate you are for your boys! Super mum ! 🩷 🏃♀️
$24
Squeaky
$24
Libby & Rod Farmer
Well done! Go Russos!
$23
Kate
What a wonderful cause Alex !
$20
Facebook Donation
$20
Melissa Russo
Run Forest
$16
Facebook Donation
$16
Facebook Donation
$15
Facebook Donation
$12
Alisha Paindaveine
$10
Louise Moore
Good on you Rusty!
Great cause. Good luck Mick & Mel!