Community comes together for autism awareness at West Broward

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RUN FOR AUTISM: Mateo runs through the starting banner alongside the other runners, marking the beginning of the 5K. The 5K lasted two hours in support of inclusion and community awareness. Photo by Andreas Lattas.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of people and families worldwide. Due to its unique nature, a support system is crucial. That support can come from multiple directions.

Before COVID-19, Jai Faith and her family attended many 5-Kilometer marathons in support of their son Mateo Gilbert, who has autism. After the pandemic, many of these 5K marathons did not resurface. Jai and her husband Ron Gilbert, both athletic trainers, decided to organize their own 5K to support Mateo and to spread awareness. The 5K took place at the West Broward high school track field from 7am-9am on Saturday, April 11th. With the help of other autism parents, the family was able to get sponsors, donations, and participants for the 5K.

“We figured, let’s do something, let’s create a place where we, as autism parents, feel that our kids will be safe. So we took what we liked about the 5Ks we’ve been to, and what we saw was a need,” said Faith.

At the age of three, while living in the Bronx, New York, Mateo’s parents noticed that he was not talking, not making eye contact, and not responding to his name. After being advised by a friend who also has a son with autism, Jai and Ron decided to get their son evaluated. After his diagnosis, they were able to get therapies such as physical, speech, cognitive-behavioral, and language to assist him. Shortly after, they decided to move to Florida. However, Florida did not accept his New York IEP plan, so they had to restart the process. Their family was assisted by Super School, an educational organization for those with special education needs, to manage this process.

“Mateo has been such a light. He has taught me a lot about autism, life, and a lot about overcoming adversity. He’s a really special kid, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to be around him, learn from him, and be a part of his life and a part of his journey,” said Erica McCartney, interim teacher at West Broward.

SUPPORT IN ACTION: Mateo runs side by side with Lauren Cervantes, his babysitter since he was four, at the 5K event. Those who attended the 5K came in support of Mateo and other autism families. Photo by Andreas Lattas.

After the family began their 5K, they decided to send 100 percent of the raised funds from this 5K to Super School to be able to support other students with special accommodations for their education. Over the five years, the family has organized these 5Ks that have raised $67,309.20. Additionally, they have created and participated in other events to support organizations. Last year, they organized a 5K named Maddox for His House to raise money for His House Foster Home in Miami Dade. Maddox is Mateo’s younger brother, who has a passion for helping others. With the $15,000 they had raised last year, they had enough funding to build a gym on the His House Campus. In total, Faith was able to raise $82,309.20 in five years to support Super School and His House.

“The 5K is a community unlike anything else I’ve ever been a part of. It’s full of love. It’s a very special place to be, and I’m grateful to be able to be a part of it. It is such a wonderful cause, and it has brought awareness to our community,” said Faith.

The 2026 5K was hosted to support the autism community, parents and children alike. Having a place where those in the community can come together and support a cause brings awareness to the community itself. Mateo enjoys these 5K events as it is a way for him to connect with his community.

“It was fun running with friends and family. I enjoy everything about the 5K. My family supports me by being nice, taking care of me, praying with and for me,” said Mateo.