Registration is open for the 2025 Sprint for the Prints 5K Run & Walk. This annual event supports the Precious Prints Project, which provides free sterling-silver fingerprint pendants to families who are grieving the loss of a child.
Since its launch in January 2012, the Precious Prints Project has grown significantly and now serves families across multiple health systems.
UT nursing students manage the project in its entirety. They collect funds year-round to buy materials to produce the charms, and train nurses in area hospitals on obtaining fingerprints and caring for the families during their devastating loss.
“Our student team consists of ten upper division nursing students who lead the volunteer management process, acquire items for the event’s silent auction, and delegate tasks to our team to ensure a successful event,” shared Kayla Krueger, faculty advisor for the project. “The team also leads educational training sessions for nurses in the community on how to create a Precious Print. Additionally, they promote the project through other initiatives, such as the creation of Precious Prints Project merchandise for fundraising, supporting events in the community related to pregnancy and infant loss, and helping to expand the project through local and national dissemination efforts.”
Event details for 2025
- Format: Hybrid 5K Run/Walk — participants may choose to join in person or complete the 3.1-mile distance virtually.
- In-person component: Held at the UT Gardens in Knoxville on November 8. UT Nursing students will provide an opportunity for participants to place fingerprints on a memory canvas, and other commemorative activities.
- Virtual option: Participants may complete the 5K on their own route during the designated virtual window of November 1-8.
“Grieving the death of a child is a deeply emotional and often isolating experience that can significantly impact families,” said Jeanne Jenkins, associate dean of practice and global affairs. “The Precious Prints Project is supported through donations from private organizations and individuals who have experienced loss or know someone affected by it. The fingerprint charm provides a meaningful, tangible keepsake to honor their child’s memory. The 5K run and walk is an opportunity for friends, family, and community partners to come together in support of this initiative, raising funds to ensure its continued impact.”
Please register by November 6.
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CONTACT:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)