Olympian Haley Batten is shining a spotlight on leukemia this month.
Batten, who grew up in Park City, partnered with the Leukemia Research Foundation to raise awareness and funds for research and patient support, according to a press release.
For Batten, the cause is personal.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Batten won silver — the highest Olympic finish by an American — despite a flat tire during the race.
“We train for years for that moment, that five-second experience at the finish line, and that was amazing,” Batten told the Deseret News in August 2024 after the Olympics.
A few months later in November, Batten’s mother was diagnosed with leukemia, according to a March Instagram post by Batten.
“When mom was diagnosed with leukemia we began the most challenging period of our lives,” Batten said in the press release. “We’ve had to learn so much, from understanding the details of her diagnosis to navigating the medical system. I’ve felt overwhelmed at times, but I’ve also been deeply moved by the love and kindness from the people around us.”
Batten donated a cycling-themed gift basket that will be gifted to the highest donor in the Leukemia Research Foundation’s fundraiser, which closes Tuesday.
As of Monday, over $23,000 had been raised. Batten’s partnership coincides with Leukemia Awareness Month, which is every September.
“I am proud to support the work that the Leukemia Research Foundation does, driving new research and supporting families,” Batten said in the press release. “It is only through research that we will discover better treatments for patients and a cure for this disease. By donating, we can all be part of the cure.”
The gift basket includes a signed custom Specialized helmet with art designed by Batten, cycling shoes, Julbo sunglasses, custom water bottle and a hydration drink mix.
On the fundraiser’s page, Batten called the time following her mother’s diagnosis as “the most challenging period in our lives.”
“Our family has been all-in and closely involved to support her and each other through this fight. We have always been a strong family unit and we have become even stronger through this,” she said.
Batten then praised her mother’s strength through the challenges of her leukemia journey.
“There is no straightforward path and as we learn and adapt through this challenging process there are beautiful moments of self-discovery, love and kindness. My mom is the strongest, most positive person I know. She faces every day with courage and grace, and she inspires me more than words can say. As I return to race on the international stage, I build my strength as a reflection of hers,” she said.
Haley Batten 2028 Olympics
Batten was proud of her silver finish, but she has even higher expectations for herself, she told the Deseret News in August 2024.
“I went into that race preparing to be Olympic champion. That’s what I want. I want to win gold medals. I want to be the best in the world, not one of the best,” she said.
Just a couple of weeks after the Olympics, Batten and her coach had already started her roadmap to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the top of the podium.
“There’s room to improve, and there’s room to grow. In LA, I’m definitely going for gold, and I want to be able to learn from every race,” she said.