Howard's coast-to-coast run for autism strikes a chord

Jonathan Howard's dream has legs.
Howard, 25, a Lorne Park resident, made a pit-stop at Jack Darling Park today on his 8,000-kilometre cross-Canada solo run.
He has travelled more than 3,500 kilometres so far.
Howard is running the marathon journey to raise $2.5 million for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The ground was still blanketed in snow when the Lorne Park Secondary School graduate dipped his shoe in the Atlantic Ocean March 25 in St. John's, NL, signalling the beginning of the run that will take him across 10 provinces and more than 650 communities.
So far, Howard has met and connected with dozens of families affected with autism, met provincial leaders and been recognized by the legislative assemblies of Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.
“It has been a learning curve for me,” Howard said of his run. “Especially being thrown out there in the middle of snow storms and hi-speed winds, but you learn how the body and mind coordinate and work.”
As he covers 43 kms. six days a week, his mind remains focused on the goal, pushing him to test the limits of his abilities.
“It's not nutrition or the water that fuels my journey; it is the cause,” Howard said. “I'm just a runner with a message.”
In Ottawa, Howard found a friend in Terry Robinson, a two-time paralympian ready to roll the distance with him. Robinson, who has cerebral palsy, said it took him less than 30 seconds to decide to participate in Howard's run.
“I'm always looking for challenges and something new to do,” Robinson said. “Autism is a good cause because it is hidden and often misunderstood. As a person with a disability, I can understand how important it is to have the support and services.”
Robinson will join Howard until they reach Winnipeg.
Just before the Run the Dream campaign began in March, Howard received a letter from a woman from Springfield, NS, whose son was recently diagnosed with autism. The woman wanted to thank Howard and give him a hug.
Ss Howard ran through Nova Scotia, he made a quick detour to the town of Springfield to "collect his hug." The woman told him she would hold a fundraiser and, within the next few weeks, raised more than $2,000.
Howard said he is touched that so many people, strangers and friends alike, have embraced him and the cause he supports.
For more details visit, www.runthedream.ca.

rpanjwani@mississauga.net