Hi! My name is Amber Swerczek, and I'm Austin's older (but much shorter) sister.

On the evening of Thursday, December 16, 2021, Austin suffered a seizure. His wife, Jenny, and friend, Elliott, took him to the emergency room at UNMC where they performed a CT Scan. The CT Scan showed some suspicious shadows, which prompted the team to order an MRI. Unfortunately, the MRI showed a mass measuring approximately 2.5cm x 3cm on the left side of Austin's brain. Austin was admitted to UNMC for two nights for further evaluation.

At this time, they believe that the mass is a Stage I or Stage II Glioma. The neuro-oncologist treating Austin is optimistic that it can be partially, or ideally wholly, resected with surgery. Surgery is scheduled for January 21st. They want to keep him awake during the surgery (which is cool! And also terrifying!) There are several risks associated with this surgery, including stroke, embolism, and varying degrees of loss of use of the right side of his body. If it is a glioma, there is also a chance of recurrence, but there is also a chance that this tumor is NOT a glioma which is what we are all praying for at this time!

Austin and Jenny are also expecting their first child the beginning of March, so while there is never a good time for something like this to happen, this is an *especially* bad time. Because of Austin's seizure, he is unable to drive for at least three months.

Those of you who know Austin know that he has a heart as big as his noggin' (which is pretty darn big!). He never hesitates to help anyone who needs it. We are organizing this fundraiser to give people the opportunity to help out Austin and his growing family in this uncertain time.

The funds will be used to cover medical bills, copays, lost wages, prescription copays, and any home health care he may need after surgery. Any additional funds that are not used will be donated to a charity of Austin and Jenny's choice.

We will provide updates on this page. Let's lift Austin and Jenny and Baby Bonk up, the way that Austin always lifts everyone around him up with his beautiful smile and kind heart! And for now, let's all hold onto these truths:

The battle may be big, but God is bigger (Psalm 147:5)

We may feel weak, but God is strong (Psalm 46:1)

We may be powerless, but God is powerful (Psalm 66:7)