On the morning of April 12, kids, caregivers, Center staff, and community partners came together to do something simple but powerful: move.
The fourth annual Mickey’s Fun Run wasn’t about speed or medals (though yes, there were medals!). It was about showing up, taking up space, and celebrating what it means to feel safe in your body again.
Every year, this event brings together children receiving services at the Center and their families for a 2.4 km run around our East Austin campus. There’s music, crafts, encouragement, and plenty of cheering. But at its core, Mickey’s Fun Run is about connection.
This year, 13 families and 23 kids joined us for the run, alongside 35 Center staff and volunteers who showed up to help make the day special. Members of AISD PD, APD, TCSO, and BACA also joined us—some running, some cheering from the sidelines—making the day even more vibrant and full of community support.
“Mickey’s Fun Run gives children the opportunity to reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels safe and empowering,” the Center’s Lead Experiential Therapist, Africa Ibarra, said. “Many of the children we serve have experienced violations or learned to disconnect from their bodies as a way to cope with trauma. Events like this help them rebuild a sense of agency and joy.”
In the weeks leading up to the run, kids trained outdoors on Wednesday afternoons. Caregivers joined too—either cheering from the sidelines, or creating crafts and signs to get ready for race day. Siblings were welcome, and the energy and excitement grew each week.
The beauty of Mickey’s Fun Run is that it’s not just about the kids—it’s also about the caregivers.
These dedicated individuals are able to show their children unconditional support and celebrate their progress in a joyful, community-centered way.
Each child finished the run at their own pace—whether they walked, jogged, or ran—reminding us that every healing journey looks a little different. No matter how long the path may be, it’s support, relationships, and community that carry us forward to the finish line.
After the race, kids crossed the finish line to cheers and applause, proudly receiving their medals and celebrating their hard work with lunch and even sweet treats generously donated by our friends at Nothing Bundt Cakes.
“It went wonderfully, as always,” Africa said. “We hope families left feeling connected to a community and proud of their hard work. Kiddos built many healthy relationships with staff and other kiddos, and they learned new healthy skills by connecting to their bodies safely and using exercise and movement as a regulation tool.”
Because of your support, Mickey’s Fun Run 2025 reminded kids that their bodies are capable, that joy is possible, and that healing doesn’t always have to look like therapy—it can look like movement, fresh air, and a community that shows up.
Thank you for helping make it happen.
