"Something Nice for Someone Each Day" (quoted by Austin)

As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month approaches, I thought about why is it so important to support Childhood Cancer Awareness? For me, it's hit close to home. My son Austin was diagnosed April 9, 2006 with Leukemia. As he approaches over 2 years into his treatment, I can still remember the feelings of being pulled aside into another room, staring face to face in front of an exhausted Dr. that worked overtime just to stay with my child and tell me as I looked into her red tired eyes, (as if she'd been crying herself) "your son may have cancer". I could still deeply recall the feelings of shock, heartache and fear racing through my mind and feeling as if my heart was being pulled apart while trying to absorb the news. I was holding back the tears and trying to keep my composure as I stared at a distance at my very ill son sleeping peacefully after receiving a phenomenal amount of morphine to ease his pain.

I am forever humbled. Every child that has been dealt the wrath of cancer is truly amazing. I have walked many nights along the hallways as Austin was inpatient for long periods of time trying to understand why kids like my son Austin, that were so sweet and innocent, many of those who don't complain while receiving injections and have to take numerous amounts of medication are the ones that are affected. Many times I have quietly questioned why not those who have purposely harmed others haven't been given this trial in their lives? Prior to diagnosis, Austin was enjoying just being a kid. Things were going great for him. He was on a traveling basketball team and he was a talented 4th grade Elementary Student who had just started playing his saxophone with the Junior High Middle School Jazz band. He was doing well in school and well liked by his peers. When he was diagnosed, all the things he loved most, playing basketball and playing his saxophone were put on hold.

My son Austin has also defied the odds. Austin has overcome MANY obstacles, not just his life threatening illness of cancer but the repercussions of trying to treat it as well. Early on in his treatment, he had an allergic reaction to one of the chemo medications trying to fight off his cancer and ended up with severe pancreatitis. Within 48 hours after he received the chemo injection, he was fighting for his life in ICU. His body compensated for the pancreas issue and his lungs became filled with fluid, his platelet counts dangerously low, high blood pressure and the list of his distress goes on and on. By just looking at him now you would never know all the pain and suffering he has endured in his lifetime. Through it all, having no spleen, a partial pancreas, numerous surgeries, procedures, injections, etc Austin remains strong and positive.

One thing special about Austin is that he has always been a thoughtful, caring and giving person. Though he was affected by cancer, he always remembers to care for others and give from his heart. Austin wrote in his journal about what he had learned in first year into treatment asking others "to just do something nice for someone each day". He even has this message at the end of all his emails to remind everyone to care. Austin has been asked many times to speak and/or play his saxophone at events supporting a good cause. He makes that decision to do so and volunteers his time. Mind you, he just turned 12 years old and he is still under treatment at Children's Hospital. Austin realizes the importance of caring and giving back so he supports those who have played an important role of supporting him during his journey.

Only recently Austin has been able to partake in playing basketball again. He's not as fast and strong as he was before, but he's out there with his team working hard and not letting his illness slow him down. As for Austin's love for music, he continues to compose and play new songs. He has excelled playing his saxophone and has also taken on playing the trumpet and piano.

I am not ashamed to hide his illness because it is important to come out and show others there are still survivors. Personally, I am deeply inspired when I meet a long term survivor. It gives me reason to believe Austin will have a future and assures me he is going to overcome this illness. It's amazing that through Austin’s adversities, he shows that you can still care about others and take the time to make a difference in life. There are so many ways to care...donate blood, donate money, volunteer your time, or like Austin, take the time to share your god given talent with others.

Austin's presence is a reminder of strength and courage. His strength stems from his will to fight and his inspiration of all the children he has met in this journey. Austin represents HOPE. The more you see him, maybe the more you'll be inspired to get up, help others and give back. Inspiring stories bring out the best in us. For me, it reminds me of the miracle I witness each day with my son.