October 30th, 2024
At the 46th Istanbul Marathon by Türkiye İş Bankası, Every Step is for Children with Autism!
Tohum Autism Foundation invites all sports enthusiasts to support the education of children with autism at the Türkiye İş Bankası 46th Istanbul Marathon—the only intercontinental marathon in the world—taking place on Sunday, November 3rd.
For the past 12 years, the Foundation has raised donations for education scholarships through charity runs with the support of its volunteer runners. This year, it calls on everyone who wants to run for a good cause to join the marathon and support the education of children with autism.
Tohum Autism Foundation School Students Run for Their Peers with Autism
As part of the “Be a Tohum Sun for the Education of Children with Autism” campaign, each volunteer runner is recognized as a “Tohum Sun.” This year, for the first time, students from Tohum Autism Foundation’s Educational Institutions—Selin, Cem, and Mert—are joining as Tohum Suns. They will run 8 kilometers to raise awareness and funding so that other children and youth with autism can receive education scholarships. Their collective fundraising target is 210,000 TL.
“If I hadn’t received education, I would have never learned to speak. I’m running so that my peers with autism can have equal access to education.”
— Selin Önal
Diagnosed with autism at age 2.5 and enrolled in intensive special education, Selin is now able to express her thoughts and emotions and enjoys spending time with friends. A talented swimmer, she made history in 2020 by becoming the first autistic woman athlete to swim across the Bosphorus during the 32nd Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race. Selin continues her licensed swimming career with Galatasaray Sports Club and also works part-time at a customs consultancy firm.
“This year, I’m running for individuals with autism. I’m counting on your support to help fund their education.”
— Cem Sezgin
At 27, Cem is a national swimmer representing Türkiye in local and international competitions as part of the Turkish Special Sports Federation’s National Swimming Team. He is also employed through Tohum Autism Foundation’s Job Coaching Supported Employment Model. Admired by colleagues for his performance, Cem continues to live and work independently thanks to the structured education he received at Tohum Autism Foundation’s schools.
“I’m running for children with autism. You can be a Tohum Sun for them by supporting this cause.”
— Mert Gündüz
Mert was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.5, after his family recognized early signs. Although he was nonverbal, with intensive education he made remarkable progress through alternative communication methods. Now 28, Mert lives as an independent individual, participating in both professional and social life.
Support the Tohum Suns!
The stories of Selin, Cem, and Mert are powerful examples of how individuals with autism can thrive in society with the help of timely diagnosis and intensive education. Tohum Autism Foundation invites all supporters to contribute to their campaigns and help more children with autism access quality education.
