Every year, the Hope for HIE community comes together to raise awareness and critical funds for our programs and services supporting families impacted by Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Hustle for Hope 2026 was no different. Whether you gathered a team of family and friends, ran on your own, or joined us at a local in-person event, you helped bring hope to families facing HIE around the world.
This year, we welcomed over 1,000 registrants, hosted 15 local events, and raised over $90,000 to fuel our mission forward as we accelerate awareness, advocacy, education, research, and support.
Did you know that annually, Hope for HIE hosts more than 70 support groups, sends out over 1,000 NICU support packages to newly diagnosed families, and provides comprehensive programs and services provided by professional support staff members to connect and support over 15,000 families worldwide? This is just a small sample of the support we're able to provide FREE for HIE families, thanks to fundraising efforts like this year's Hustle for Hope.
Every step, share, and donation made a difference, and we couldn't be more grateful.
As we wrap up our 2026 Hustle for Hope events, we want to celebrate our incredible community who helped to make this our largest fundraiser of the year. First, a huge thank-you to our Hustle Hosts—without them, we wouldn't have the chance to gather in person for local events. Whether first-year volunteers or seasoned, dedicated fundraisers, each of them poured their time, effort, and heart into this cause. We're also deeply grateful to our event sponsors, volunteers, fundraisers, and registrants. Read on as we honor the wonderful individuals and teams who helped make this year's events a success!
Check out this year’s awards and see who brought the heart and hustle to this year's event!
Top 3 Team Fundraisers!
Teamwork really does make the dream work! These top teams combined heart, hustle, and creativity to raise the most funds and show what true teamwork looks like.
🥇 Team Super Nova! - $5,860
🥈 Team Florida - $2,234
🥉 Team Henry - $1,910
Top 3 Individual Fundraisers!
These individual teams rallied friends, family, and their networks to raise an amazing amount of funds for Hope for HIE. Huge applause for these fundraising stars who led the way!
🥇 Bridget's Team - $9,237
🥈 Lucas LaMorte - $4,225
🥉 Kira's Fundraiser - $1,950
Top 5 Fundraising Events
Our Wisconsin hosts led the way again this year, drawing the most participants and raising the highest total—over $14,000! Our Florida and New Jersey events, hosted for the first time this year, saw incredible turnouts. Rhode Island's hosts came together to raise over $12,000, and our virtual events brought in over $12,000 as well, with registrants joining from all over the world.
Best Finish Line!
First-time host Kaylee Weber originally planned a small hustle on her family farm, but pretty soon switched gears and hosted a much larger hustle in downtown Jesup, Iowa that raised $3,000 and honored loss families with a remembrance table filled with beautiful photos.
⭐ Kaylee Weber - Jesup, IA
Best Duo!
Michelle MacIntosh and Nicole Allen teamed up with their daughters for the second time to host in North Providence, Rhode Island. With special attention to details like a visit from the fire department with a chance to sit in the fire engine, a bubble blowing balloon artist, and games along the route, everyone had an awesome time.
⭐ Nicole Allen - North Providence, RI
⭐ Michelle MacIntosh - North Providence, RI
Best Beach View!
Maria and John jumped through quite a few hoops to achieve a beautiful run on the boardwalk as first time hustle hosts, but it was all worth it to bring together over 100 runners and raise nearly $10,000 for Hope for HIE.
⭐ Maria Bottino - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
⭐ John Cleaver - Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Prettiest Pavilion!
Hustle Host Haley took the reins this year and brought in Renown for a $500 sponsorship!
⭐ Haley Rosman - Sparks, NV
Weather Warriors!
Hustle Hosts Kacie Miller, MacKenzie Osberg, and Sarah Shah pulled double duty as weather reporters when major flooding caused them to reroute their 5K the night before the race! These hosting veterans still managed to pull off our largest hustle with over 140 participants and $14,000 raised!
⭐ Kacie Miller - Waukesha, WI
⭐ MacKenzie Osberg - Waukesha, WI
⭐ Sarah Shah - Waukesha, WI
Best Use of Super Power!
First-time Hustle hosts Leni and Brian Deboer, and Katie Cortez, were the masters of in-kind donations - from face painting, DJs, artists, and SPIDERMAN, they had it all. An amazing group of participants with impressive fundraising, we can’t wait to see what they do next year!
⭐ Leni DeBoer - Clermont, FL
⭐ Brian DeBoer - Clermont, FL
⭐ Katie Cortez - Clermont, FL
Best Group Effort!
Nearly 150 of YOU participated in our virtual Hustle for Hope. Throughout April and May, you gathered friends, advocated for HIE, and showed up in droves. We are grateful and inspired - thanks for hustling for hope this year!
⭐ Our Global HIE Community
To all of our rookie and veteran Hustle hosts -- THANK YOU for your efforts, advocacy, and heart for our mission.
Win best pigtails!
Spot a UFO!
Cheer you on at the finish line!
Dress up as a cat for Halloween!
Bust a move!
Form an advantageous alliance!
Hitch a ride!
Welcome you to your next Hustle!
Be a superHIEro!
From solo strolls to massive meetups, your heart and hustle brought our community together in the best way. We'll see you in 2027!
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