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RUN FOR AUTISM is thrilled to introduce our inaugural RUN FOR AUTISM ambassador cohort! Our RFA ambassadors will connect with our athletes and strengthen the RFA community. From our Facebook groups to their local communities, our ambassadors will unite our community to make a lasting impact.

Our 2025 Ambassador Cohort

Beth Caruso joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team in 2017, when she ran the Marine Corps Marathon. Since then, she’s run 17 events with the team, including a DIY race in 2020 when most races were cancelled due to COVID. She runs in support of her godson, Joshua. When she first met Joshua, he was a three-year-old boy who was nonverbal and had sensory and behavioral difficulties. Today, Joshua is a nearly-27-year-old paraprofessional at an elementary school. He has a driver’s license and lives in his own apartment. “Joshua is living his absolute best life in part because of services that were given to him when he needed them most when he was young.” This year, Beth will take on the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, running in honor of Joshua.

Jenelle Tittelfitz runs for her eight-year-old son. “My son was diagnosed with ASD at a young age, and as his mom and biggest advocate, I strive to make autism acceptance more widely understood and represented in our communities.” She joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team in 2023, running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and plans to run one race every year with RFA. This year, she ran the Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash. “Joining the team has meant meeting people from all over, even internationally, who have connections [to] and a deep appreciation for the autism community.” Jenelle is a Physician Assistant and lives in Colorado with her family.

Michael Culley has run 14 events with the RUN FOR AUTISM team, with events 15 and 16 slated for this fall when he joins the team for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon. A runner since his high school and college track days in the 90s, Michael took on his first marathon in 1998, racing the Chicago Marathon in his hometown. He joined the RUN FOR AUTISM team in 2017 while getting back into marathon running. Michael dedicates his races to family members and friends whose lives are touched by autism. He’s found community in the team. “I’ve met so many people through this team who are great friends and people who I consider family. A lot of these race weekends are more like family reunions to me.” When not on the run, Michael is adventuring in the great outdoors of Colorado Springs, Colorado, or wherever his travels take him.

Patrick Rodio’s son, Sam, is autistic. As a RUN FOR AUTISM athlete, Patrick has fundraised for OAR while running several races, including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon. He values the transparency and impact of OAR. “I feel good fundraising for them because I know the funds are going to real people and programs and services that help people on the [autism] spectrum.” Today, Sam is a junior at Rowan University and thriving. Patrick is also a photographer and loves writing screenplays, going to the movies, and being outdoors.

We couldn’t think of better ambassadors to start this program than our 2025 cohort! Follow along with our ambassadors on our Instagram and Facebook pages.