While the Hang Tough Foundation is a young organization, we have already planted deep roots in our local community and in our mission to serve the families of children with life-altering illnesses and special needs. We invite you to explore and learn more about us.
Get to know our mission, vision, and history.
Meet our Staff Members and Board of Directors.
Learn what it means to be a Hang Tough Hero, Sidekick and Family.
Find out more about our wide variety of programs, services and community projects.
MEET HAYLEY HART – In August 2009, four year old Hayley Hart was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. As family and friends gathered around Hayley to join her battle against cancer, the slogan “Hang Tough Hayley Hart” came to be. Team Hang Tough Hayley Hart (HTHH) was formed to ride bicycles in Hayley’s honor in Race Across the West. As the race approached in June 2010, one of the men was unable to participate. One of the racers had an athletic coach out of Colorado Springs and Coach Brady Irwin was called in. The four men raced hard and won Race Across the West for the four man team category!
MEET GRAYSON IRWIN – By this time, Brady Irwin had moved his wife, Janelle, and daughter, Katelyn, to Tallahassee and Janelle was pregnant with their second child. Six weeks after the race, Grayson Irwin was born-stout and healthy! Eleven days before his first birthday, August 2013-Grayson was diagnosed with Infant T-Cell Leukemia. The first person Janelle called was Hayley’s mom-Michelle. Grayson and his family live by the slogan, “Tough As Nails”. Grayson completed his protocol in August of 2015 and is now in remission.