Join us on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Starkville, Mississippi, for the first annual Kites and Rainbows 10K, 5K, and Fun Run benefiting Friends of Children’s Hospital! Friends of Children’s Hospital is a nonprofit organization based in Flowood, Mississippi, that’s been raising funds and providing volunteers for our state’s only children’s hospital since 1989. We’re excited to be in Starkville on a college baseball game day–Mississippi State University will face off against their in-state rivals, Ole Miss, for a baseball series you won’t want to miss. Run with us to support all of Mississippi’s pediatric patients! Early bird registration is now LIVE!
race details & Schedule
Route will be released soon!
🕙 8:00 AM – 10K Start
🕙 8:05 AM – 5K Start
🕙 9:15 AM – Fun Run Start
Join us after the race for refreshments and awards!
sponsorship opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities coming soon!
about friends of children’s hospital
Since 1989, Friends of Children’s Hospital has been raising funds and spreading awareness to support Children’s of Mississippi. It takes specialized care, equipment, facilities, and training to provide outstanding care for our state’s youngest patients, and Friends of Children’s Hospital is honored to have supplied the following programs.
Enhanced Child Life Services
We committed funding to renovate a Child Life Activity Room in the Blair E. Batson Tower, with construction
set to begin in 2025. This space will offer patients a welcoming place to play, learn, and express themselves.
We also funded the salaries of two full-time Child Life Specialists and a Child Life Assistant.
Supported MyChart Bedside Program
We continued our support of the MyChart Bedside program, which provides iPads in patient rooms across
Batson Tower, Sanderson Tower, and Wiser Hospital. These iPads help patients and families connect with care
teams, order meals, access entertainment, and use language interpretation services—making hospital stays
easier and more inclusive for all.
Supported Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower
Your generosity ensures that Mississippi’s children have access to the highest quality medical care close to
home. The Sanderson Tower continues to deliver cutting-edge treatments in a state-of-the-art environment
designed for children and their families.
Opened New Infusion Suites
The Children’s of Mississippi Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders opened newly designed infusion suites,
made possible by your support. These spaces prioritize patient comfort and privacy while incorporating
interactive technology to provide distraction during treatments.
Hosted Kites and Rainbows Events
We hosted our Kites and Rainbows events throughout the year, such as Mardi Gras, Easter, and Christmas,
bringing lighthearted fun and a sense of normalcy to children and families navigating hospital stays.
Your support allows Friends of Children’s Hospital to fulfill our mission to elevate the healthcare experience for patients in Mississippi, creating smiles, hope, and a place where patients can be kids!
