AHF's "E-Racing" Team Clinches First Place at Chattanooga Green Prix, Powered by Hixon Motor Sports
· Childhood Cancer Team Triumph in STEAM-based Racing Program
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Oct. 26, 2023) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer's "E-Racing" team, proudly sponsored by Hixon Motor Sports, secured a resounding victory at the Chattanooga Green Prix, earning first place in the elementary school division last Friday, October 20.
In just their first year of having the E-Racing program, the Austin Hatcher Foundation (AHF) team, made up of eight children affected by childhood cancer, was awarded first place, narrowly outscoring their competitors by just three points. The team showcased their skills in three key categories: Presentation, Drag-Slalom races, and Circuit Races. The first place announcement marked a historic achievement for the young participants and underlined the effectiveness of the "E-Racing" program as a unique and fun therapy option for children affected by cancer.
The "E-Racing" program is one part of the larger scope of the Austin Hatcher Foundation's Industrial Arts STEAM Therapy Programs. It not only introduces children aged 9-12, affected by childhood cancer, to sustainable engineering and technology, but also helps improve coordination, memory, behavior, critical thinking skills and other aspects that are often impacted by the cancer treatment journey.
The name of the "E-Racing" program holds deep significance, symbolizing not just an Electric vehicle, but also encapsulating the core of the Austin Hatcher Foundation's mission: “erasing the effects of childhood cancer.” Through their participation in this program, young cancer patients, survivors and siblings of children diagnosed with cancer are not only acquiring motorsports skills, but also are actively contributing to the alleviation of the emotional and social effects of pediatric cancer.
Bryan Hixon, Founder of sponsor Hixon Motor Sports, expressed his immense pride in AHF's accomplishment and the significance of their victory. He commented, "AHF’s first attempt at an e-race resulted in a big win. Austin Hatcher just started this new STEAM-based "E-Racing" therapy program, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that Hixon Motor Sports was asked to be the exclusive sponsor for this incredible program put together so quickly and efficiently."
The victory highlights the great potential of AHF’s "E-Racing" program, combining the thrill of motorsports with the power of occupational therapy. It's not only a win for the young participants, but also a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in providing comprehensive coordinated care at the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Education Advancement Center.
"For a program built from scratch by AHF’s team of compassionate and determined people, this was a historic day for this new cancer therapy program,” said Hixon. “Congratulations to the kids and families we supported that won this milestone race, it clearly displayed excellent teamwork and proof of everyone’s dedication and love for this new pediatric cancer therapy- that I hope becomes a long-lasting and permanent addition to AHF’s variety of multiple therapies."
AHF is dedicated to providing free mental and behavioral health therapy and unique solutions to families throughout their journey and recovery from childhood cancer. The foundation’s services encompass a wide range of support, including grief counseling, occupational therapy, family counseling, sibling tutoring, trauma therapy, industrial arts therapy and much more. With a focus on empowering families to cope in the present and thrive in the future, AHF ensures that every child and their loved ones receive the care they need.
"This program exemplifies the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission to integrate various forms of supportive therapies, STEAM, and just plain fun for children with cancer, their siblings and immediate family members," said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and co-founder of AHF. "We are so grateful for the support of Hixon Motor Sports, and look forward expanding this program and many more.
For more information about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, the "E-Racing" program, and the generous support of Hixon Motor Sports, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org/goblin.
About the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer:
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer's mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer for young patients and their families. Founded in 2006 by Amy Jo Osborn and Dr. Jim Osborn, the foundation uniquely provides essential services to support the development of children with pediatric cancer and their families. The foundation provides services through its three divisions: Industrial Arts, Diversionary Therapy, and Psycho-Oncology. Learn more at www.hatcherfoundation.org.
About Hixon Motor Sports:
Hixon Motor Sports is a leading multi-car Mazda MX-5 Cup Team competing alongside the prestigious IMSA platforms in the best sports car weekends in North America. Hixon Motor Sports has a deep commitment to philanthropy and was honored to be the exclusive sponsor of AHF's "E-Racing" program. Learn more at www.hixonmotorsports.com.
