April is a busy month, and the rest of 2023 seems to promise the same. It is our immense honor to re-introduce Run FASD and Coach Rebecca Tillou. To do so, FASD United conducted a virtual interview with this FASD self-advocate, author, and inspiration! This event comes into its third-year as of September 2023.

Rebecca began running at the age of 11 with her dad in Maryland, and it importantly unfolded into a lifelong journey. She joined a youth running group at 12 to help her learn “technique and pacing” and once she reached high school, her mom suggested she try out for cross-country. She found her stride with the sport, joining her varsity team as a sophomore. In college, Rebecca did not run professionally but did “run on my own to keep healthy and destress.”

Her FASD diagnosis came at the age of 34, and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Running proved a “great release” for Rebecca, and throughout lockdown she found herself with more time to brainstorm. Her mom helped her create the idea for a race, and Run FASD was born! In addition to her mother, Rebecca wanted to personally thank Jennifer Wisdahl and Natalie Vecchione for their support in getting the event off the ground. Her source of inspiration for Run FASD is awareness and advocacy. “I’d always wanted to give back, and I never had the time or really thought about how,” and when the pandemic occurred, “I wanted to up awareness of FASD” with newfound free-time.

“Running reduces my stress, when I come back from a run I’m in a better headspace, I can manage things better.” She says this in regard to being a mom and just overall human being. As someone with an FASD, “I’m a sensory seeker, and so when I run, I can feel the vibration on the pavement in my feet, my breathing goes into rhythm so I can hear that and feel that, I can hear noises outside…so it touches all the senses and it makes me centered.” She recently came to understand this better, and believes this is the reason she keeps running because “it’s all those senses in one.”

“I know it’s called Run FASD, however it is not just running,” Rebecca claims, “The main goal of this is to bring communities together to talk about what FASDs are and raise awareness- however people want to do that, awesome!” She discusses the plethora of options for participation, “to get ready, figure out how you want to achieve the 5K. Do you want to be a runner, a walker, a biker?” The most important aspect, it seems, is just getting ready. Coach suggests that training can be whatever it means for the individual, but starting is the most crucial step: “Start talking, and start dusting off that equipment.”

For those who are unable to do a 5K or do not want to run, “it’s not about the distance, it’s about the awareness that comes up because of it, do your thing, do what you’re comfortable with.” She mentions that if one is not able to physically participate, financially participating is another important option. “If you purchase a shirt or a medal and you wear it out– people are going to see it and ask “What is FASD?” and there you go, you’ve got a conversation starter.”

Rebecca will be running in upstate New York outside of Albany, she will be posting fliers within her community, as well as on Run FASD’s various social media platforms. So, if you are located in NY or nearby, stay updated with her meet-up information. She also plans to be at the Rochester race, and potentially in Kansas if time allows: “A lot going on this year!” She happily exclaimed.

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“This year, as always, it’s about awareness.” Her goal for this year’s event is to expand the audience for FASD, with the aim of “reaching those that haven’t asked the questions before, both sides being brave to start a conversation.” She mentions her own tentativeness and anxiety, but then firmly claims, “this year I want to take that chance and I want others to also. Take that leap of faith!” Rebecca challenges and encourages us to have those potentially uncomfortable conversations. “That’s the only way we’re going to get the word out there, and keep on raising awareness.”

In person runs are a viable option for those who desire the physical togetherness this event provides. “You can make your own team” via the website www.runfasd.org, “form a community for yourself and others, reach out to your friends,” or find an already created meet-up in your area! “The group can be as big as you want or small as you want,” Rebecca’s own meet-up last year hosted fifteen people: “It was a great initial race, and this year I’m hoping for even bigger!”

When asked how she would approach the so called ‘stranger in the park’ Rebecca suggests starting with a brave question, “do you know what FASDs are?” Despite a yes or no response, she believes that informative, factual information goes a long way. “I would throw a fact in there, 1 in 20 children school age may have an FASD…I want them to know the prevalence.” Rebecca finds that this information is what “needs to be driven home,” by means of raising awareness and promoting advocacy. “Be creative! We’re getting there about people knowing about FASDs, but we have a long way to go.”

Run FASD 2023 is gearing up, how are you? To sponsor this race or donate please visit the RunFASD website. If you need any further help or have questions, please contact us.