Building on Momentum: Austin Hatcher Foundation Continuing Automotive Builds For Therapy With 2019 R
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 9, 2019) – Having developed a formula for success that provides patients with diversionary therapy and lasting fun memories, the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer has started its latest automotive build involving young cancer patients and their family members.
Capitalizing on the momentum started by previous automotive builds in recent years, the foundation is in the process of building a 2019 Rugged Ridge Baja for therapy. The initial build-out was Dec. 15; subsequent build dates are Jan. 19, Feb. 16 and March 16. On all those dates, work is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Truck ‘n Trailers USA in Chattanooga. Rugged Ridge®/OMIX-ADA®, Inc., a Truck Hero company, has provided the necessary parts to complete the modifications required to create the transformation. Rugged Ridge®/Omix-ADA®, Inc. is the world’s largest independent manufacturer and wholesaler of Jeep®, truck, and off-road parts, accessories and floor liners.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation‘s automotive builds are integral to the foundation’s Industrial Arts Therapy/Recovery program – operating out of the foundation’s state-of-the-art Education Advancement Center in downtown Chattanooga – that provides children and families facing the challenges of a pediatric cancer battle with necessary skills toward building a better future. The program utilizes physical, occupational and neuro-psychological therapy in a fun environment.
The Industrial Arts Therapy/Recovery program is a hands on, wrench turning program that uses tools to inspire passion for learning and creativity, help patients recover physically, mentally and socially after treatment, as well as provide an opportunity to build a brighter future. The program also creates team building skills, improves cognitive function, motor skills, and provides children with exposure to STEM and automotive areas of interest for the future.
This latest build is being funded by donors. Donations can be made on-line at gofundme.com/ruggedridgebaja. The completed vehicle will be revealed at the 2019 Jeep Beach event in April at Daytona International Speedway, with Rugged Ridge®/Omix-ADA®, Inc. As with other automotive builds through the foundation, the Rugged Ridge Baja will eventually be auctioned to raise additional funds and awareness for the foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer.
“While we are quite proud that our ambitious build projects have ‘taken root,’ we are even more proud of the relationships that provide the support for these builds,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation President Amy Jo Osborn.’
“Thanks go out this time to Rugged Ridge/Omix-ADA for their help. Without this type of support, our ideas would be hard-pressed to succeed. Because of this support, we can forge on and offer outstanding inter-active build-out programs that then result in significant improvements in the quality of life for our patients and their families.”
