"John & Matty's lives were defined by their generosity, kindness, and love for their community and family."
When the Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk & Family Day took place last year, people from all over the world participated. The virtual 5k, which included fans from all 50 states and Canada, had more than 1000 participants. The in-person event sold out, and it was a great day. In total, the event raised over $500,000 and helped the Archbishop Damiano School build the The Gaudreau Brothers' Wings of Hope and Chrysalis Corner Adaptive Playground at the school. The project was completed in October 2025.
The Gaudreau Brothers’ Wings of Hope and Chrysalis Corner Adaptive Playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville. Photo: Matt StanleyNow, one year later, it has been announced that the second annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk Family Day has been scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Washington Lake Park, Sewell, NJ. This year, the event will benefit the newly created Gaudreau Family Foundation. The foundation was established to honor the legacies of John & Matty Gaudreau.
The Gaudreau Family Foundation honors the lives and legacies of John & Matty Gaudreau by supporting programs that empower children, promote youth athletics, and champion animals. Guided by their unwavering commitment to family and spirit of kindness, compassion, and joy, the Foundation carries forward their legacies, ensuring their positive impact continues to shine throughout the communities where they lived, played, and inspired others.
THN Columbus caught up with John & Matthew's mother, Jane Gaudreau, to find out what all this means to her and the Gaudreau family.
THN: Did you ever imagine that the event would grow so big after just one year?
Jane Gaudreau: Last year, when our friend Debbie approached us about having a 5K in honor of the boys, our family was in no condition to even think about such a beautiful event. But our friends said they wanted to do it for John and Matty and that they would handle everything. At first, I just thought it would be nice to see and connect with the people who attended the 5K Family Day, since so many had reached out to support us throughout the previous 9 months. I imagined maybe 100 people or so showing up. We were completely blown away, not only by the incredible job our friends did in organizing the 5K, but also by the number of people who came out to honor John and Matty and support our family. This year, the in-person walk/run has already exceeded last year’s participants, and we believe the virtual participation will, too. We never imagined it would grow this quickly. While we hoped people would come out to support and remember our boys, the response has meant more to us than words can express. It’s been incredibly moving to see so many people show up to honor them and be part of something so meaningful.
THN: What part of this event makes you the proudest, not just as parents, but as members of the Gaudreau Family?
Jane Gaudreau: We are so proud of John and Matty and how they touched so many lives. Last year, countless people shared stories about how John or Matty made a difference for them or their children. As parents, we already knew our four children were amazing, but hearing these stories from others fills us with such pride. Looking out from the stage last year and seeing everyone wearing shirts honoring our boys was incredibly heartfelt. We are also deeply proud and grateful for our friends who organized the 5K. Their dedication, hard work, and love for our family have made this event possible. Hearing people talk about John and Matty, remembering who they were, and helping us keep their legacy alive is truly one of the proudest parts of the 5K for our family.
THN: How do you hope people feel when they take part in the Gaudreau Family 5K?
Jane Gaudreau: We hope everyone feels the love and appreciation that we have for every person who participates, whether in person or virtually. We are so grateful for all the support people have shown our family. I don’t think people realize how much they have helped us through our unimaginable loss. We hope people know that, to us, they are part of something much bigger than a 5K. They are part of honoring our boys, keeping their memory alive, and helping their legacy continue.
If you have the time, please think about joining virtually in the upcoming 5K on Saturday, May 16, 2026. You can find all the information in the link below.
To learn more about the 2nd Annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk and Family Day, to sponsor, or to register, visit: www.runsignup.com/GaudreauFamily5K.
"John & Matty's lives were defined by their generosity, kindness, and love for their community and family," said parents Jane and Guy Gaudreau. "Family was everything to them. Through this event and the Foundation, we have the opportunity to continue the good work they would have done - supporting the causes that mattered most to them and touching the lives of those who need it most."
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