Meet Austin – A Fighter, A Survivor, and a Hopeful Heart

Hi, my name is Austin. I’m a Type 1 diabetic and a fighter living with Stage 5 kidney failure.

My journey began in 1993 when I was just 3 years old and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes — the first in my family. Despite the shock, I was incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a loving family who rallied around me from day one. I grew up like any other kid, just with a few more finger pricks and insulin shots.

I went on field trips, played sports, hung out with friends, and did my best to live life fully. Of course, it wasn’t always easy. I had a serious sweet tooth and spent more time than I’d like to admit in the hospital due to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). But I pushed through, graduated high school as a top student, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Unfortunately, the toll from years of uncontrolled blood sugars began to catch up with me.

After college, I started losing my vision, which led to several eye surgeries. Later, I developed gastroparesis — a difficult and painful condition that affects digestion. Then came the hardest diagnosis of all: Stage 5 kidney failure.

In October 2023, I was officially diagnosed and referred to UNC to begin the long process of being added to the kidney transplant list. By May 2024, I was placed on the list with an expected wait time of 3–5 years.

But something remarkable happened.

Through the power of social media, I connected with two incredible souls. One of them — the husband of a social media friend who’s become like a second mom to me — stepped forward and asked, “What do I need to do to donate?” A complete stranger. He began the long, rigorous testing process… and on September 22, 2025, we got the call: he’s been approved to be my living donor.

We are now preparing for a living donor kidney transplant scheduled for December 5, 2025. To focus on recovery and give this new kidney the best chance to succeed, I’ll be stepping away from my full-time job — and stepping into a second chance at life.

I’ve never been one to ask for help, but this journey has taught me that letting others in — allowing them to show support, care, and kindness — is not a weakness, but a strength. Your encouragement, prayers, and kind words have already meant more than you’ll ever know.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to hope, healing, and a healthy new beginning.