Archive for June, 2009

{Hatch’s House of Hope, a landmark Pediatric Cancer Care Center, scheduled to open}

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

 

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The Austin Hatcher Foundation is excited to announce the Grand Opening on September 18, 2009 of the first Hatch’s House of Hope.  Located in the Erlanger Medical Plaza at 979 E 3rd st C232, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hatch’s is a one of a kind Pediatric Cancer Care Center designed to address issues specific to families dealing with Pediatric cancer.

Hatch’s goal is to restore hope, health and happiness to every member of the family.  “When a child has cancer, it is like the whole family has cancer,” said Dr. Manoo Bhakta, a Pediatric Oncologist.  The pressures resulting from “the care the child needs at home and the rigors of treatment cause a tremendous amount of dysfunction that hospitals and insurance companies cannot manage.”  It is that void that Hatch’s House of Hope is designed to fill. 

Hatch’s will provide landmark programs to families affected by pediatric cancer.  Specifically, these services include IEP neurocognitive testing, educational programming to help affected children overcome their cognitive and learning deficiencies, emotional counseling for the cancer-affected child, their siblings and parents, as well as marital and financial counseling.  Hatch’s will work with community organizations to provide “Hatch’s Dollars”, gas cards and food vouchers to families with severe financial difficulties.  Counselors will work with creditors, at the family’s request, to set up alternative payment plans during the treatment phase of pediatric cancer.  Hatch’s services are designed to not only assist families while they are fighting the cancer, but also to help life return to normal once the child has beaten it.  

“When the family is dysfunctional, it is very hard to provide care.  Being a doctor taking care of children and their families, the services offered by the Hope House make our job easier and more effective,” said Dr. Bhakta.  This safe haven for families dealt the incredible task of dealing with pediatric cancer will be a tremendous asset to the Chattanooga area.  This facility, the first of its kind, will serve as the prototype for other Hope Houses to be built nationwide.

Hatch’s House of Hope will begin rolling out programming mid July. The Foundation is actively seeking partners to provide necessary funding.

To volunteer or become a financial partner please contact the Austin Hatcher Foundation at info@hatcherfoundation.org

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TOUR DE ROAD AMERICA PARTNERS WITH THE AUSTIN HATCHER FOUNDATION

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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On Friday, August 14, American Le Mans Series drivers and teams, fans and families, and local cyclists and cancer survivors will take to the famous 4.0 mile Road America auto racing circuit to do their part in the fight against cancer.  Following last year’s success, the Tour de Road America Foundation has expanded its scope to recognize the Series’ official charity – theAustin Hatcher Foundation - as its latest beneficiary.  

For the third consecutive year, the Tour de Road America Foundation will be partnering with the American Le Mans Series during the Road America 500 race weekend. 

Destined to facilitate children and families dealing with pediatric cancer, the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s President Jim Osborne proudly accepts the recognition and invitation. 

“Excited is the only word for it,” Osborne rejoiced.  “The Tour de Road America event does a phenomenal job increasing awareness and raising funds for children and families in need, and we are proud to be a co-recipient of such kindness and generosity. 

“Tour de Road America not only welcomes families but fosters participation, so much so that we take to heart this chance to meet local families around the Road America area and offer our services.”

Joining the ranks of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the late Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic as beneficiaries, George Siegle, President of the Tour de Road America Foundation, is equally inspired.  

“It was a natural fit to partner with Jim and Amy Jo Osborn and their foundation,” said Siegle. “With their connection to the American Le Mans Series, motorsports roots, and their incredible determination in turning a personal tragedy into small victories in the long-term fight against cancer, we just couldn’t ignore the opportunity to join forces.” 

Formed in 2004, a group of motorsports fans led by cyclists Siegle and Dave Racine decided to contact Road America officials and the Lance Armstrong Foundation about their initiative. When almost 400 participants showed up for the first ride and raised over $18,000, Siegle and Racine decided to make it a certified event in 2007. Officially forming the Tour de Road America Foundation to host the neighborhood track ride, which welcomes the local community to ride alongside their favorite sports car racing heroes, Siegle noted that they aspire to expand their reach and increase their fundraising goal to $40,000 in 2009.
 
This family-friendly event begins at approximately 6:30 P.M. on Friday, August 14 following the day’s auto racing activities. The ride is open to cyclists of all abilities and all kinds of bikes. 

A silent auction of one-of-a-kind motorsports memorabilia and local items will also be taking place on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, culminating just before the start of the American Le Mans Series’ Road America 500 on Sunday afternoon.

The Tour de Road America – Bike Ride to Fight Cancer presented by Delta Dental is organized by the Tour de Road America Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with an all-volunteer staff. Since 2004, it has raised over $120,000 for event beneficiaries the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The Tour de Road America is made possible by the generous support of Road America, the American Le Mans Series and other racing series, Delta Dental, Giordana Cycling Apparel, Gear Grinder, JHG Benefits, Bella’s Custom Design, Tria Design and Marketing, Marketing Acuity, and many other businesses and individuals. For more information on the Tour de Road America, to register for the ride, or to make a contribution, visit www.pelotonride.org.

Posted in American LeMans Series, Events | Comments Off

{Austin Hatcher Foundation to the Hatcher Pass “Alaska”}

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

            Jack Broomall, of Malvern, PA, departed May 21, 2009 for a 10,000+  mile motorcycle ride to Alaska.  The goal of his ride was to raise awareness of and solicit donations for the Austin Hatcher Foundation.  Riding his 2009 BMW F650GS, with the support of his friends, family, BMW motorcycle dealer Hermy’s  Cycle of Port Canton, PA, and motorcycle outfitter RevZilla Motorsports of Philedelphia, Jack started his journey on May 20th, with a quick 90 mile jaunt “backwards” to the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey to make the trip a true “coast to coast” journey.  He took off the next morning for the ride of his life.   He traveled through Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and into Montana.  He then crossed the border into Canada and picked up “mile 0” of the Alaskan Highway at Dawson’s Creek, Alberta.  He then drove through the Canadian Rockies and into Alaska.  On June 5th, he arrived at Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains near Anchorage, completing his journey. 

            Jack chronicled his entire experience from planning to finish, including some incredible pictures, on his blog www.2wheels2alaska.com.  Single-handedly,  Jack’s efforts have raised over $10,000 for the Austin Hatcher Foundation over the last two and a half years.  What a difference one person can make.  Thank you Jack!

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Mikimoto Partners with American Le Mans Series to help raise money for the Austin Hatcher Foundation

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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In March of 2009, The American Le Mans Series announced MIKIMOTO, one of the world’s premier jewelry brands, as a sponsor for the 2009 season.  MIKIMOTO also plans to help raise money for the Series’ official charity, the Austin Hatcher Foundation. 

 

During the season, MIKIMOTO will be showcasing a collection of its renowned jewelry at American Le Mans Series VIP events as well as through its exclusive network of high quality jewelry retailers.  Monies raised from the sale of selected pieces will be donated to the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

 

Events have been held in conjunction with the American Le Mans Series Races at Sebring, Florida, Long Beach California and Salt Lake City, Utah.  Future events will be held at races in Columbus, Ohio and Brasselton, Georgia. For more information on the American Le Mans Series and the MIKIMOTO pearls visit www.americanlemans.com

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FORD RACING MUSTANG CHALLENGE KICKS OFF AUSTIN HATCHER FOUNDATION SUPPORT AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge kicked off its relationship with the Austin Hatcher Foundation at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama the weekend of April 17th, 2009.  The weekend started with Mustang Challenge drivers visiting Children’s Hospital in Birmingham that Thursday.  Guests from Birmingham, Atlanta and Chattanooga Children’s Hospitals, all pediatric cancer patients or their families, were treated to a VIP, behind the scenes experience while watching rounds three and four of the 2009 championship. 

In addition to providing kids and parents with a fun day away from hospitals and the realities of cancer, the weekend included a variety of events designed to raise money for the Austin Hatcher Foundation.  One event over the weekend raffled off a Chip Foose, hand carved, “Mustang” BFGoodrich g-Force R1 tire created on the Overhauling television show.  Funds raised from the weekend totaled more than $12,000.  Thanks to Mustang Challenge, the drivers, the track, and BFGoodrich Tires!

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Nookums™ Announces the Launch of It’s Spring 2009 Line of Paci-Plushies™ Pacifier Holders

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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Nookums™, a manufacturer of innovative baby products, announces the launch of it’s Spring 2009 line of Paci-Plushies™ with BPA and Phythalates Free Pacifiers.

Buffalo, NY, March 26, 2009 –(PR.com)– Nookums™, a manufacturer of innovative baby products, announces the launch of it’s Spring 2009 line of Paci-Plushies™.

In addition to the Original Paci-Plushies™- Milo The Monkey, Cuddles The Cat, Paisley The Panda and P-Nut The Puppy, which were launched in the Fall of 2008, Nookums™ has released Pixie The Puppy (in pink), Bentley The Bear (in blue), Baby The Bear (in pink) and Lovie The Lamb (in white). 100% of the wholesale profits earned through the sale of Lovie The Lamb are to be donated to The Austin Hatcher Foundation for a Carefree Childhood (HatcherFoundation.org).

The huggable holders retail for $13.99 at PaciPlushies.com and ship worldwide.

Ideal for infants from two months and up, Paci-Plushies™ are the only detachable pacifier holder of its kind that allows for use with popular brand infant pacifiers such as MAM®, Avent®, Evenflo®, Nuk®, Nuby®, Munchkin®, and Playtex®. Visit the Paci-Plushies™ website for a complete list of over 200 varieties of compatible pacifiers.

The inclusive Nookums™ silicone pacifier is now made from materials that are 100% free of Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and PVC and features an orthodontic teat that encourages the natural development of baby’s teeth and gums. Stacy Dallman, founder and President of Nookums™ says, “My number one priority in developing the new Paci-Plushies™ pacifiers was to make sure that I was manufacturing the safest possible pacifier, free of any chemicals that may be harmful to the development of infants and toddlers.”

Nookums™ designs, manufactures and distributes the innovative line of plush pacifier holders. The Buffalo, New York based company was founded in 2007 when Dallman invented the Paci-Plushies™ as a means of locating her toddler daughter’s pacifier around the house. After successfully testing the juvenile products market at the 2008 ABC Kids Show in Las Vegas, Dallman’s creation was featured in multiple parenting magazines and has become an instant hit for parents and babies alike.

For additional information about Paci-Plushies™, log onto www.PaciPlushies.com. Email questions, comments or PR requests to CustomerService@PaciPlushies.com or call 888-430-6601.


http://www.pr.com/press-release/141643

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American Le Mans drivers visit the children’s hospital

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Three American Le Mans Series drivers made a special visit to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Fla., in conjunction with the 57th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. In the city where “dreams come true,” a Disney-themed visiting area welcomed Dyson Racing LMP2 driver Ben Devlin and GT2 husband-and-wife team Andrea and David Robertson from Robertson Racing to meet some extraordinary race fans.

Supporting the Austin Hatcher Foundation, the official charity of the American Le Mans Series, Devlin and the Robertsons walked the floors of the children’s hospital to meet dozens of children and their families dealing with pediatric cancer and to help spread the hope for a cure.

“In racing you always have both good days and bad days.” Devlin said to the children as he would pass out wrist bands with the heartening Mazda motto – The Will To Never Give up. “We wear this to remind us to never give up and we always hope for a better tomorrow.”

Devlin and the Robertsons signed autographs and took photos with the children throughout the ward for several hours. At its conclusion, the Series and the Austin Hatcher Foundation invited all families to attend the Sebring 12 Hours presented by Fresh from Florida to see Devlin, the Robertsons and other sports car drivers go fast and race live.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation and the American Le Mans Series
In an effort to help support children and families dealing with issues resulting from pediatric cancer, the American Le Mans Series has partnered with the Austin Hatcher Foundation as an official charity of the Series. During each season, many of the world’s top sports car drivers will visit pediatric wards in various race markets nationwide to directly interact and support the children with pediatric cancer and their families. 

The Austin Hatcher Foundation was founded by Dr. Jim Osborn and wife Amy Jo after the loss of their two-month-old son “Hatch” to a rare form of cancer.

 

http://www.americanlemans.com/index_news.php?n=12654

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