Hi, my name is Alexandra and I’m a Russian national living in Tokyo. Anyone knows that when times are hard, kids are among the first to suffer. Needless to say, it’s even harder for kids with disabilities like autism. If you’ve read the news about this condition, you’ll know that medical science is making some progress with drug treatments, but the progress is slow and many, many children continue to suffer, shut in their own world, alone, and often neglected. But wait! Here’s an interesting fact: there are other ways besides drugs that we can use to reach out to these kids and help make their life better. Things like special education designed to meet their needs. Behavioral modification. Speech therapy. And just as important as any of this, a safe and enriching environment where they can play and have a chance just to be kids. 

This March, Naked Heart Foundation’s team is going to run a marathon to raise the funds necessary to build fully equipped occupational therapy rooms and play facilities to make these kids’ lives better.
My goal in running this marathon—the first in my life—is to do my part to make a difference for those kids who could use a helping hand. I know that by joining Team Vodianova, I will contribute to making life more comfortable for these children, and to giving them a chance to realise their potential. So please help me help them—any contribution would be greatly welcome! Let Naked Heart empower us to share our love with needy kids.