Austyn is our big brave 2-year-old who’s currently battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
His story began on March 24th, 2025, after a trip to the ER because he suddenly couldn’t stand up or walk. What was thought to be just a simple bump or bruise turned out to be every parent’s worst nightmare when we were told our baby has cancer. It’s a moment I will never forget, and those words will forever be burned into my memory. The question of why will never be answered, but I’m forever grateful to the doctor that evening; she had the best heart and intentions. She made some calls and informed us that a team of specialists was on their way from Peoria to transport Austyn because his labs were critical and treatment needed to be started ASAP. We arrived at 3:30 am, beyond scared of what the future would hold for our boy. After almost 3 months of being here, he’s shown SO much strength and resilience! After about a month, he learned to walk again! A huge victory after being told he may never be able to. He’s almost finished with phase 2 of treatment, and we will move to the last and final phase, which is 2 1/2 years. Our warrior has had countless chemo treatments, 9 spinal taps with more to come, compression fractures and CSF leaks, multiple blood and platelet transfusions, and so much more. He’s overcome every obstacle thrown his way and constantly reminds us that he’s a fighter!
While our world may have stopped, the bills and daily life did not. Being 2 hours from home with our daughter as well, and him requiring a 24/7 bedside decision maker and not being able to leave the city, Dad’s been unable to return home to work. Trying to get the bills paid at home and daily living expenses on top of our son’s medical needs and treatment has been beyond stressful. We’ve been fortunate enough to be blessed with a room at the Ronald McDonald House while he’s receiving treatment. As amazing as it is, we would much rather be home. We’ve finally been given clearance to return home after phase 2! Unfortunately, our car has decided it’s not leaving Peoria until we replace the radiator and a few other things, and we certainly don’t have the means to do so. He will also have weekly visits at St. Jude for 120 weeks, and that’s 2 hours there, 2 hours back once we go home, so we definitely need our car to be capable of making those trips if we do end up making it home. We’re not normally the type to ask for help, but we are going to have to at this point. After being in a sterile environment for so long, our house is going to need a lot of TLC before he can return there, and things need to be finished that we were in the middle of remodeling when this happened. Needless to say, our bad luck has been coming full speed, and we could use a little help and a lot of prayers. Anything and everything is MUCH appreciated! Help us bring our boy home and continue fighting his battle as well as he has been but in the comfort of his own home! We appreciate all the support and prayers
For those who prefer not to donate through fundraiser, I will add my personal details as well. As always, please keep Austyn in your thoughts and prayers as we hopefully begin the process of making our way back home soon! Once we do finally get home and settled, we’ll be planning a benefit/celebration for Austyn as well!
Always remember; Cancer is strong, but hope is stronger!
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