Run for Austin's Lungs 2026
Run for Austin's Lungs
Event Description
Run for Austin’s Lungs is a family-friendly 5K walk/run held in honor of baby Austin, who is bravely battling chronic lung disease. Join us to celebrate his second birthday, raise awareness of his Chronic Lung disease, and support his ongoing medical care. Every step taken helps give Austin the breath of a brighter future.
The entire registration fee (minus the $4 processing fee) goes directly to Austin’s care. After you register, the site will ask if you’d like to make an additional donation—this can simply be left at $0, meaning your total charge will be $54 for race registration.
If you’d prefer to support Austin without registering for the race, you can do so by selecting the Donate button instead of Sign Up.
Austin’s Story
Austin’s fight began long before he took his first breath.
When his mom’s water broke at just 17 weeks pregnant, each additional day became a hard-won victory. Against extraordinary odds, Austin was born on October 7, 2024, nearly three months early and weighing only 3 pounds, 7 ounces. He was later diagnosed with chronic lung disease.
Since that day, the hospital has been the only home Austin has ever known.
Austin has spent his entire life fighting to breathe. Since last year’s Run for Austin’s Lungs, he has undergone a tracheostomy so he can receive long-term ventilator support while giving his lungs time to grow and become stronger. He has endured countless surgeries, painful procedures, emergency interventions, and devastating setbacks that no child should ever have to face.
Most recently, Austin survived a terrifying medical emergency when his heart stopped and CPR was required to save his life.
Yet through every challenge, Austin continues to amaze everyone around him. His bright eyes, contagious smile, wonderfully spicy attitude, and fierce determination remind us that hope can survive even the hardest days. Austin is one of the strongest little boys you could ever meet, and every milestone he reaches is a victory many once feared might never come.
His parents, Emilio and Amy Arellano, have remained faithfully by his side through every procedure, setback, and uncertain moment. They have become full-time caregivers and tireless advocates for their son while also trying to maintain their jobs and support their family. Amy lives near the hospital in UCSF family housing, while Emilio works in Sonoma County and commutes on weekends to be with Austin and Amy.
The emotional, physical, and financial toll on their family is difficult to put into words. Still, they continue forward with extraordinary love, strength, and hope.
Run for Austin’s Lungs was created to help ease the burden of Austin’s current and future medical expenses while celebrating the courage of one remarkable little boy and the family fighting beside him.
Last year, our incredible community raised more than $8,600. This year, our goal is $10,000 so Austin’s family can continue focusing on what matters most: helping him heal, grow stronger, and one day experience the joy of coming home.
Thank you for walking, running, donating, sharing Austin’s story, and believing in him.
Every step taken and every dollar raised reminds Austin and his family of one powerful truth:
They are not fighting alone.
$150
Raised of $0
Contact Form
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Event Location
Shollenberger Park Petaluma
1400 Cader Lane
Petaluma, CA 94954 US
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