In July 2007, at the age of 10 months, Austin was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor, a type of childhood cancer in both kidneys. He was thrust into a world of chemotherapy, hospital stays, and four abdominal surgeries before being declared cancer free eight months later.
But after one year, the cancer was back. More chemo, radiation, and surgeries cost him his entire right kidney and half of his left.
Today, Austin is a relatively healthy, extremely happy and remarkably normal 7-year-old, despite living with stage 3 renal failure as a result of his childhood cancer treatment. He is energy is boundless, he loves gymnastics, and he has recently mastered his back handspring.
Austin is one of five St. Baldrick’s Foundation 2012 Ambassadors.