Man Plans Run Across NC to Help Cary’s Mariposa School

Story by Matt Young. Photo by Josh Janssen.

Cary, NC – Jordan Stafford of Pittsboro N.C. is running across the Tar Heel State to raise money for the Mariposa School for Children with Autism here in Cary. You can support his worthy cause.

The Mariposa School is a non-profit organization that offers children with autism and other developmental disabilities instruction using innovative teaching techniques.  Families from around the world have relocated here so their children can attend the school.

“He Wouldn’t Even Look Anyone In the Eye”

Stafford was inspired by a student who “wouldn’t even look anyone in the eye.” And within five months, the student was saying “hello” and speaking in short four word sentences.

Stafford is an avid runner. He has also overcome his own obstacles as an Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma survivor. And he has a passion for worthy causes.

He had an idea.

Running from Mountains to Piedmont

Jordan Stafford will be running from Asheville in the mountains of North Carolina to The Mariposa School in Cary starting on May 7 and ending on May 20.

He plans to run 14-20 miles each day, going through Black Mountain, Marion, Morganton, Hickory, Statesville, Salisbury, Lexington, Asheboro, Siler City and Pittsboro.

On the final day of the event, Mariposa will be hosting a celebration event at the school from 2-5 pm followed by another event at Jimmy V’s.

The run is called:

Making Strides for Autism: A 260-mile Run for the Mariposa School.

Proceeds Benefit Language Instruction

Proceeds from the run will benefit The Mariposa School’s Intensive Intervention program.  The Intensive Intervention program focuses on teaching functional language skills. The teaching program tailors each program to the individual student’s needs. Many students receive instruction in a one-on-one student to teacher ratio.

Step Up & Help

You can donate to the cause, sponsor the trek or even run with Jordan for part of the trip.

Visit the Step Up page for more information.