He’s running Boston to support the autism community

Boston Marathon

Alex Cucchi is running for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Alex Cucchi
Age: 32
City/State: Medford, Mass.

I’m running my third Boston Marathon this year in support of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, with the lofty goal of raising $100,000 for families affected by autism.

I grew up in Waltham with my parents and younger brother, Thomas, who was diagnosed with autism in 1996. Back then, resources were limited, but my parents worked tirelessly to learn everything they could and ensure Thomas had the support he needed. Today, he’s 30 years old, living independently and working full time — something we’re incredibly proud of.

The Flutie Foundation helps families like mine by providing direct financial assistance for therapies, equipment and services that insurance often doesn’t cover. Last year, my wife, Giana, and I raised over $81,000. This year, with our first child on the way, I’m more driven than ever to give back — to honor my brother, to support other families and to show that love, grit and community can create powerful change.

They need your help to have access to quality educators, specialized training, materials for their arts, and opportunities to further their craft. By contributing to this cause, you are feeding their motivation and making a difference in the next generation. Thank you for making a contribution to this great cause, and for supporting me during my Boston Marathon 2025 journey!

This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

Jessika Landon

Audience Engagement Co-op

Jessika Landon is the audience engagement co-op at Boston.com and a senior at Emerson College. She is a native of Bangor, Maine.