The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Shines at COCACon 2024 with Prestigious Awards
- The Austin Hatcher Foundation receives Best of Newsletter, Best of Impact/Annual Report, and Best of Camp Activity awards at the 2024 COCACon.
Chattanooga, Tenn. (December 2, 2024)
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer garnered top honors at the 2024 Children’s Oncology Camping Association International (COCA-I) Convention, held November 14–16 in Spokane, Washington. The Foundation received three coveted Professional’s Choice awards: Best of COCA Newsletter, Best of COCA Impact/Annual Report, and Best of COCA Camp Activity, highlighting its innovative approaches and impactful contributions to the pediatric oncology community.
COCACon, a premier event for professionals and organizations dedicated to children’s oncology camps, brought together experts from around the world for three days of insightful keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking. The event culminated in the “Best of COCA” awards ceremony, recognizing excellence across nine categories split into Professional’s Choice and Members’ Choice awards. The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s triple-win in the Professional’s Choice category underscores its commitment to quality and its influential role in the field.
The awards were split into two categories; Professional’s Choice, judged by professionals in the field, and Members’ Choice, chosen by the public. Out of nine possible awards, the Foundation received top honors in three categories; Best of COCA Newsletter, Best of COCA Impact/Annual Report, and Best of COCA Camp Activity. All three awards won by the AHF were categorized under Professional’s Choice.
"These awards are a testament to our team’s dedication to providing innovative, whole-family care for those impacted by pediatric cancer,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. "We’re incredibly honored to be recognized by our peers and inspired to continue raising the bar for programs and services that erase the effects of childhood cancer."
Representing the Foundation at COCACon was Sarah Taylor, Family Service Coordinator, who received the distinguished Karen McAndrew COCACon Scholarship from Care Camps Foundation. "Seeing the impact of camp through our campers’ joy is unmatched, but being celebrated at this level affirms the value of our work,” Taylor said. “COCACon provides a unique platform to collaborate, learn, and celebrate among professionals committed to erasing the effects of pediatric cancer. It’s an honor to be part of such an exceptional community."
The Austin Hatcher Foundation offers year-round therapeutic camps designed for pediatric cancer patients and their families, creating opportunities for healing, connection, and joy no matter where families are in their cancer journeys. These programs reflect the Foundation’s mission to provide comprehensive psycho-oncology care for the whole family, empowering them to thrive beyond a cancer diagnosis.
The hosting organization, COCA-I, connects children’s oncology camps globally, fostering collaboration and excellence among its members. Founded by a coalition of 14 pioneering camps, COCA-I continues to serve as a vital hub for sharing best practices, resources, and support within this specialized field.
To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation and its award-winning programs, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation
Pediatric Cancer Treatment is more than Medicine - It is whole child, whole family Supportive Care. The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is dedicated to providing a lifetime of free essential services to children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Through its various Supportive Medicine programs, the Foundation offers support, education, and hope to children battling cancer and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. For more information about the organization, please visit www.hatcherfoundation.org.
