DEAN FULTON COMPLETES MARATHON FOR TACA

Dear friends, family, and community supporters:

I am proud to report that I finished The Tacoma City Marathon in 3:39 (which was 27 minutes faster than my first marathon that I did last September).  I placed 71st out of 347 marathoners (not too bad).  I have attached a picture of me that was taken at the 17 mile mark.  Please note my bloody nipple.  That is what you get when you wear a running jersey that is brand new and never been worn (oh well....it was for the kids).  The course was really difficult.  Miles 12-16 were pretty much all up hill (through Pt. Defiance Park).  There were a lot of rolling hills throughout the course as well.  Definitely different than the all flat course that I did last time.  I was proud to run for TACA and received a lot of supportive comments before, during, and after the race.

Thanks to the generosity of more than 72 donors, I am proud to announce that to date I have raised $5,867 for the Washington Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) chapter.  Initially I set my "Marathon Fundraising" goal at $5,000 but now realize that sum is far too low for the good work we need to do. Sadly, the $225 per mile I've raised so far won't come anywhere what we need to change the course of autism for families this year. Now that I've reached that goal, I'll continue trying to raise more.  Parents living with autism experience their own marathon every day, and I owe it to them to raise as much money as possible in order to give them meaningful support.
 
This has been a great experience.  Thank you for sharing this journey with me.   

Sincerely -

Dean Fulton
www.firstgiving.com/deanfulton

Comments

[Carline Banks]

TACA and the autism families it serves are so lucky to have such a super TACA dad! The Fulton Family Rocks!! Thanks for all that you do for the autism community!

[Sam's MAMA]

Hi Dean,

Just wanted to say thank you for your dedication to the cause, the kids and TACA. WOW!! Really superior job!!

Loved the marathon comparison! I admire your ability and strength.

From a mom trying to run the autism(s) marathon to the very best of my ability.

[Becky Estepp]

Dean,

You are fantastic. What an amazing marathon time. I hope we get to meet soon. Your wife is fabulous!!

[Christina Blakey]

Well done, Dean. What a great way to raise funds. TACA's lucky to have you!
-Christina

[lisa]

And so sorry about your nipples....

[Lisa]

Hey Dean: YOU ROCK! We could NOT be more proud of you.
THANK YOU FOR RUNNING YOUR HEART OUT FOR TACA & THE FAMILIES WE SERVE!
With much love and appreciation -
Lisa & Team TACA

[Julie]

Thank you, and congratulations!!! You have picked a wonderful organization to represent and support. I agree "you know the money will be well spent." Locally, I have personally been able to pull an "Autism Walk" and a "Girl's Day Out for Autism" out of the grips of Autism Speaks and into the hands of, let's say, better autism organizations. Well done!!!

[Terri Lewis]

Dean,

What a wonderful thing you've done! I couldn't help but laugh at your "note my bloody nipple" comment. . .that down-to-earth comment, and running this race, and raising money for a *local* TACA group--you've inspired me to remember what really counts, i.e., shutting up now and again and just putting your money (and your time) where your mouth is! (Note to self. . .)

Plus, by reporting what you've done here, you will inspire other actions from those who are looking to *do* something.

There are lots of ways to make a positive change using whatever talents God gave us, whether that means running, writing, negotiating, nurturing, teaching. . .

Way to go!!! Thank you!

Terri L.

[nhokkanen]

Congratulations and thank you! The funds you raised will help many children and their families. $5867 for TACA beats $57,000 for an Autism Speaks jet any day.

[Holly M.]

Hey Dean,
Congratulations! Don't sell yourself short. $5867 is more than I raised for autism. Thank you. What's most important is that you know the money will be spent well.