Events
Run for Austin's Lungs
Place
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 first 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.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Austin is a Fighter!
Austin was born three months early with severe chronic lung disease. From the very beginning, he has needed intensive respiratory support, including months on a ventilator with high pressures to keep his fragile lungs working. In April 2025, after more than six months intubated, Austin received a tracheostomy to help him breathe more comfortably and to begin the long process of weaning from the ventilator.
Today, he is cared for at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where he continues to rely on high ventilator settings while his lungs grow and strengthen. His care requires a team of specialists and around-the-clock monitoring, and once home, he will still need 24/7 trained nursing support.
Despite everything, Austin is known for his strength, determination, and his sweet-but-spicy personality. His family is deeply grateful for the excellent medical care he’s receiving and the love, prayers, and support from their community as he continues his fight toward healing and eventually coming home.
Family Strength
Amy and Emilio’s journey to parenthood has been filled with resilience, faith, and love. After already experiencing infertility struggles, their dream of becoming parents came true—but not without challenges. At just 17 weeks, Amy experienced PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membranes), and they were advised to terminate the pregnancy. With courage and unwavering hope, Amy and Emilio chose to continue, facing the uncertainty together and fighting to keep both Amy and their baby safe.
Today, Amy lives in family housing near the hospital, balancing part-time work while caring for Austin, while Emilio works full-time and travels back on weekends to be with his family. Though the road has been anything but easy, their dedication to each other and to their son shows what true strength looks like. Together, they continue to face each obstacle with courage—proving that love and family can endure even the hardest storms.
Directions
Shollenberger Park located at 1400 Cader Lane in Petlauma California is a 165 acre open space area that is both the largest and most visited park in Petaluma. Along with the neighboring Alman Marsh and Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility, this area is commonly referred to as the "Petaluma Wetlands" due to it's unique ecosystem and location next to the Petaluma River. The "Petaluma Wetlands" act as a natural floodplain to attenuate flows from the tidal Petaluma River. The park is well-known for it's two mile circular trail and one mile cutoff trail that allow for a multitude of activities, including expansive wildlife viewing.
