Hi,
I'm Dzul, an avid runner with a dream to run in all World Marathon Majors. I've completed my first major in Tokyo Marathon in 2014 and next will be Berlin Marathon- 24 September 2017. The World Marathon Majors is a series consisting of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world. The races take place in Tokyo, Berlin, Boston, London, Chicago and New York City.

I'm dedicating this Berlin Marathon 2017 (for every forward steps that I'll make in preparing and completing the run) to those underprivileged families with autistic child. My empathy is too strong with them. I have a son; Dzarif turning 4 this year who was diagnosed with mild autism at the age of 2.  Although he is low verbal, he is now progressing in phases through early intervention programs plus the supports that we have from our families and friends. We are lucky because we have the opportunity, the accessibility and the financial support for him. But i just wonder how about those lower income families with autistic child? I believe we should build the same support system as what my son has experienced.

Same opportunity, same accessibility and same financial support!  

I'm working closely with The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) to raise awareness and fund for those underprivileged families with non-verbal or low verbal autistic children.  Around 40-45% of children with autism attending NASOM programs are categorised as non-verbal, low verbal or with speech difficulties. But the cost of speech therapy programs is beyond reach of most children with autism who come from lower income families. Additionally, speech therapy is a highly specialised profession and there is a serious shortage of speech therapists in Malaysia.

We are establishing special fund called 'Dzarif Dzulkaedah Fund' to address this, so that as many as possible children with autism who are non-verbal or low verbal like Dzarif regardless of their socio-economic challenges can get early speech therapy intervention. The Dzarif Dzulkaedah Fund will be administered by NASOM, and NASOM will source the speech therapy services to be offered to children with autism who meet the household income criteria, via NASOM centres nationwide.

Thanks for your support!

Love,
Dzul