Sail Camp Donation Opens Door for Austin Hatcher Foundation Family
- Pediatric Cancer Survivor Emma Norton Receives Scholarship for Privateer Youth Sail Camp
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 28, 2022) – Along with being a pediatric cancer survivor, 13-year-old Emma Norton can now add experienced sailor to her growing list of accomplishments. Emma was recently gifted a week of free sailing lessons thanks to a donation from Privateer Yacht Club to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The Austin Hatcher Foundation granted Emma to be the recipient of the scholarship, and in turn, Emma spent a week in June with the Privateer Sailing Education Foundation, where she learned a lot more about herself than just how to rig a sailboat.
“Through treatment, Emma did not physically trust her body to be able to handle things, but since sailing camp, I now see a change in that,” said Jules Norton, Emma’s mother. “Where Emma was hesitant before, I have seen her confidence grow both socially and physically after sailing camp. It not only brought her out of her shell, but it gave her confidence to try new things. She’s out making friends and socializing, and going to the pool by herself now when she wouldn’t go alone before.”
At the Privateer Youth Sail Camp, campers ages 8 to 17 were out on the water, learning the language of sailing, how to rig their own sailboats, tie special knots, use the wind to sail different directions, and learning boat safety, including what to do if the boat tips over. The campers also enjoyed summer activities such as paddling, hiking and swimming. Camp took place at Lake Chickamaugga on the Tennessee River.
“It was really, really fun,” said Emma. “I loved being out on the water. They gave us a lot of freedom and didn’t restrict us, they just let us go. I was pushed to make friends which was nice. I just loved having the wind in my sail, which sounds so cheesy but is so true.”
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer was honored to receive the scholarship to send a child of their choice to sail camp.
“We are so thankful for the Privateer Yacht Club, allowing us to gift Emma this amazing experience,” said Amy Jo Osborn, President and CEO of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “At Austin Hatcher, we strive to help entire families reach their full human potential through cost-free services, so having the chance to offer the Norton family this opportunity and then hear how much it helped Emma grow is just incredible. Cancer takes such a toll on everyone in the family, so we are so thankful to see this growth from her and be a part of these special opportunities.”
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.
