CAR BUILDS

Each year at the Austin Hatcher Foundation, many of our families take part in our car builds as part of our Industrial Arts Therapy Program. Some of the builds are from “scratch” while others are modifications, but pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their families get to participate in each and every one of the builds we do. Our goal is to enhance therapeutic services with fun and exciting real-world activities.

 

This part of our Industrial Arts Therapy Program allows pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their families to develop functional skill sets while also fostering interest in the automotive industry. “As kids undergo chemo or radiation therapy, they can lose dexterity,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation Chairman Jim Osborn. “They’re often removed from their school and social environment more frequently. Diversionary therapy projects like this build with Ford provide an opportunity to have fun with family and friends, while also improving deficits that are a side effect of cancer treatment.”

 

Our automotive builds are all eventually auctioned to raise additional funds and awareness for the foundation and its partners. In the meantime, the foundation uses the vehicle to support its innovative Healthy Lifestyles program, which uses automotive-based metaphors to educate children about key lifestyle habits that can lower the risk for certain types of cancer.

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Click here if you would like to donate a vehicle or get involved with our car builds!