motivated aND INSpired by his son
Adam McEachern will embark on the Autism Heroes Road Trip, a 989 kilometre journey across Ontario from April 30 to May 17, 2026. He will run 20–25 kilometres and cycle about 35-55 kilometres each day, starting in Windsor and finishing near the Terry Fox statue in Ottawa, to raise awareness, funding, and momentum for change for neurodiverse children and their families.
Adam McEachern is the father of two neurodiverse children, Caleb (ASD) and Jensen (ADHD). Terrified by the prospects of the hurdles faced by children and young people Since 2020, he has completed three 24‑hour events and one 12‑hour endurance event, raising approximately $100,000 for Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Autism Ontario, and Special Olympics Ontario. All proceeds from this year’s effort will go to Kerry’s Place Autism Services, which supports approximately 8,000 neurodiverse individuals across Ontario.
Many families face waits of two to three years for initial assessments that are often required to access benefits and therapies. Others must pay significant out‑of‑pocket costs for private assessments. Many children age out of the system by 16 years of age with little to no support. Currently the stats are that 70% of Autistic people was deemed unemployable for many, the wait is too long, hope fades, and the struggle becomes overwhelming. This journey aims to highlight those challenges and encourage solutions.
Adam McEachern is the father of two neurodiverse children, Caleb (ASD) and Jensen (ADHD). Terrified by the prospects of the hurdles faced by children and young people Since 2020, he has completed three 24‑hour events and one 12‑hour endurance event, raising approximately $100,000 for Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Autism Ontario, and Special Olympics Ontario. All proceeds from this year’s effort will go to Kerry’s Place Autism Services, which supports approximately 8,000 neurodiverse individuals across Ontario.
Many families face waits of two to three years for initial assessments that are often required to access benefits and therapies. Others must pay significant out‑of‑pocket costs for private assessments. Many children age out of the system by 16 years of age with little to no support. Currently the stats are that 70% of Autistic people was deemed unemployable for many, the wait is too long, hope fades, and the struggle becomes overwhelming. This journey aims to highlight those challenges and encourage solutions.
|
|
Adam was inspired by a conversation with his eldest son about Terry Fox. When asked why Terry continued despite the distance and pain, McEachern explained that Terry knew his efforts would help millions—one of the most important things a person can do. His son concluded that Terry was a hero, and told his father, “Just like you, Dad.” That moment galvanized McEachern’s commitment to lead by example—for his children and for others like them.
“Training has involved thousands of hours of countless reps—push‑ups, pull‑ups, and thousands of miles of running,” said McEachern. “This will be incredibly difficult, but it’s necessary. I want policy‑makers to know it’s time for change.”
The Autism Heroes Road Trip is supported by McEachern’s family, friends, colleagues, sponsors, his association, and his workplace. Community members and organizations are invited to support through sponsorships, donations, logistics, and media amplification.
Thank you for your support. “I have my why, and the training continues—most importantly, because I said I would.” — Adam McEachern
About Kerry’s Place Autism Services
Kerry’s Place Autism Services supports approximately 8,000 neurodiverse individuals across Ontario through a range of programs and services.
“Training has involved thousands of hours of countless reps—push‑ups, pull‑ups, and thousands of miles of running,” said McEachern. “This will be incredibly difficult, but it’s necessary. I want policy‑makers to know it’s time for change.”
The Autism Heroes Road Trip is supported by McEachern’s family, friends, colleagues, sponsors, his association, and his workplace. Community members and organizations are invited to support through sponsorships, donations, logistics, and media amplification.
- Route: Windsor to Ottawa (ending near the Terry Fox statue)
- Dates: April 30 to May 17, 2026
- Daily Distance: 20–25 km running + ~30 km cycling (between 50 and 70 km/day)
- Beneficiary: Kerry’s Place Autism Services
- Purpose: Raise awareness and funds; encourage timely access to assessments and services for neurodiverse children
- Donate or sponsor: [Insert donation/sponsorship link or contact]
- Media inquiries and logistics support: Corporate Communications, York Regional Police, [email], [phone]
- Follow and share: [Insert social media handles/hashtag]
- Quote occurrence/reference: Autism Heroes Road Trip 2026
Thank you for your support. “I have my why, and the training continues—most importantly, because I said I would.” — Adam McEachern
About Kerry’s Place Autism Services
Kerry’s Place Autism Services supports approximately 8,000 neurodiverse individuals across Ontario through a range of programs and services.
Autism heroes road trip
