Children’s of Mississippi ambassador designs 2026 Run the Rainbow medal

Children's of Mississippi ambassador designs 2026 Run the Rainbow medal

Runners who cross the finish line at this year's Run the Rainbow will receive a medal designed by Owen Overby, a 9-year-old Children's of Mississippi ambassador whose artwork was selected for the annual event benefiting the hospital.

Run the Rainbow is held each spring to support Children's of Mississippi, the state's only children's hospital. The event draws runners and walkers of all ages and raises funds to support pediatric care across the state.

Owen, who recently turned 9, is an active elementary school student with interests that range from athletics to art. He participates in the running club at Northwest Rankin Elementary School and spends many weekends playing baseball. His mother said having his artwork chosen for the medal brought those interests together.

"Owen's picture was chosen because it speaks to the heart of the Children's Hospital and reflects how every runner or walker who participates in this event is a winner," said Selena Daniel, race director and director of business operations at Children's of Mississippi.

Owen's connection to Children's of Mississippi began early in his life. As an infant, he was hospitalized with viral meningitis and spent several weeks receiving care over the following year. He also continued to see specialists after his illness.

"While having an ill child is terrifying, having so many eyes on him with the number of caregivers and specialists was a constant source of comfort," his mom Jessica Overby said.

She said Owen is now healthy and thriving, though the family continues to rely on Children's of Mississippi for routine medical care and occasional injuries that come with being an active child.

Over the years, Owen has attended hospital events as a Children's of Mississippi ambassador, a role his family said he takes seriously. His mother noted that the ambassador experience became even more meaningful after Owen's older brother, Nathan, was diagnosed with a neurological disorder.

"They know they are contributing back to the children's hospital in their own way and creating awareness while having so much fun doing it," Overby said. "They look forward to the events like they're going to a theme park."

Watching Owen represent the hospital has also shaped his understanding of service, Overby said.

"I'm not sure many kids this age grasp the concepts of fundraising and awareness at the level Owen does now," she said. "He has used this opportunity to grow into such a brave, compassionate little person. We talk about how much has been done for him personally, and he looks for ways to 'be a helper.'"

Owen became involved in designing the Run the Rainbow medal after his family learned of the opportunity through their connections with Children's of Mississippi staff and the Office of Development.

"We heard about this opportunity and immediately poured out all the markers," Overby said.

As runners carry Owen's artwork home after the race, his family hopes it serves as a reminder of the hospital's role in the lives of patients and families across Mississippi.

"With Owen's hospital experience, we represented the families that never expect to need the children's hospital - until that moment you do," Overby said. "You can't fully grasp the gift we have in Children's of Mississippi until you're in it and experiencing it."

Run the Rainbow registration includes options for virtual and in-person 5K running and walking, kids fun run, 10K, half-marathon, marathon and 50K runs as well as a "look like a runner" option for those who just want to buy the T-shirt. All finishers will receive a Run the Rainbow medal featuring artwork drawn by Owen Overby.

Volunteers for Run the Rainbow for Children's are needed. Contact [email protected] for information about volunteering, sponsorships and more.