Austin's Battle

Austin (Taylor Austin Deckard) is an eleven (11) year old boy battling for his life against pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare disease which affects less than one hundredth of a percent (0.01%) of Americans. Austin and his dad (Tim), mom (Cassie) and two (2) younger brothers (Braden and Bradley) live in Phenix City, Alabama. His dad Tim is currently a staff sergeant in the US Army and stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. Tim previously completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Due to shortness of breath and fatigue, Austin was misdiagnosed with asthma several months ago. On December 2, 2016, Austin’s symptoms became so severe that he was life-flighted to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. It was then discovered that the entire right side of Austin’s heart had stopped working. Additionally, the stress on Austin’s heart caused his lungs to fill with fluid. The doctors diagnosed Austin with pulmonary hypertension, and began to work quickly. The doctors removed a great deal of fluid from Austin’s lungs and took action to prevent further damage to Austin’s heart, lungs and liver. Twelve (12) days later, Austin is still in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit while the doctors attempt to relieve the stress on his heart and normalize his heart function through intravenous medicines. The extent of damage to Austin’s heart and lungs is not yet known, and cannot be determined until and unless Austin’s heart function can be normalized. Austin’s condition is still very critical and will remain critical until his heart can be stabilized.


 Austin’s grandma describes him as “a little ham” and a boy who “never met a stranger.”  He is a fun loving kid who is obsessed with Lego’s and loves anatomy. (While waiting on doctors the other day in the hospital, Austin drew the entire digestive system from memory!) Austin is extremely bright and a very loving son, brother, grandson and friend. Austin wants to join the Army when he grows up and he is a big fan of Auburn football. When his favorite player, Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson, heard about Austin’s condition, Kerryon visited Austin. This was a very good day for Austin. He is a special boy and a fighter. He has proved resilient so far in his battle, but he has a long way to go.


Pulmonary hypertension is an incurable condition. If the doctors are able to stabilize Austin’s heart, Austin will be required to continually receive intravenous medication directly to his heart for the rest of his life. The medical bills for Austin’s critical care, and hopefully, his continuing care and treatment are and will be staggering. The intravenous medication Austin will be required to receive the rest of his life is estimated to exceed over One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) every year, before any insurance adjustment. We are asking for your prayers and any financial donations you may be willing to give to help Austin and his family. We know that God has a plan for Austin and we hope that His plan is for many more years of Legos, anatomy study and Auburn football for Austin. Please pray for the doctors as they treat Austin. Please pray for peace and understanding for Austin’s family.

Thank you for sharing this important message with your family and friends, and for any assistance you can provide. God bless!