Press Release | Jun 15, 2023 | 2 min read

“Bubbles of Fun Run” Raises Thousands for Pediatric Cancer

By Austin Hatcher Foundation
By The Austin Hatcher Foundation
“Bubbles of Fun Run” Raises Thousands for Pediatric Cancer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (June 15, 2022) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer hosted its second annual Bubbles of Fun Run presented by U.S. Xpress at the Tennessee Riverpark this past Saturday morning.

The morning consisted of a 5K, 10K and one mile Fun Run on a course filled with bubbles right next to the Tennessee River. 141 men and women of all ages spent the morning running and walking to raise money for the Austin Hatcher Foundation, which directly impacts and provides services to children and families facing the effects of pediatric cancer. Over $34,000 was raised for the foundation through participant sign-ups, event fundraising and sponsorships.

This year’s event was presented by U.S. Xpress. Coincidentally, two U.S. Xpress employees grabbed the first-place finishes in the two timed events. Ryan McGinnis finished first in the 5k and Adam Veron had the fastest time in the 10k.

“My family and I wanted to come out and support the foundation, the families, and represent my company U.S. Xpress,” said McGinnis. “It was great to see my son and wife here waiting on me as I crossed the finish line, and it was good to come out and get some exercise to support the foundation.”

McGinnis finished with a 5k time of 19:58. Veron grabbed first for the 10k with his time of 36:28.

“This is an outstanding event, and I’m so thankful that U.S. Xpress was a sponsor for this,” said Veron. “We couldn’t miss it. I mean there’s beautiful weather, but ultimately, we came out for the great cause.”

The Austin Hatcher Foundation created the Bubbles of Fun Run last year to celebrate joy and hope as runners help raise funds to provide a brighter future for families with pediatric cancer. In keeping with the foundation’s logo, bubbles were blown at various stations throughout the course and at the finish line to fill the race with an uplifting and fun atmosphere.

“We had a wonderful morning at the second annual Bubbles of Fun Run, 5k and 10k,” said Amy Jo Osborn, president and CEO of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “We could not have done it without all the love and support from our runners, staff, volunteers and sponsors. It was a fantastic time to be with such a great team in such a beautiful, hope-filled setting.”

The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize quality of life through essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of a child’s diagnosis and continuing through survivorship. Families of the foundation are provided with services such as Mental and Behavioral Health Therapy, Occupational Therapy, NeuroPsych Testing, Family Programs and more at absolutely no cost to them.

To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, visit www.HatcherFoundation.org today.