An Update, From Kate:

To witness Austin’s commitment to her health and healing this past year has changed my life. They say that you get to see who a person really is with illness and Austin is kind and tender, she is brave, deeply strong and steadfast in her determination to heal. I am lucky to share my life with her and we are all so lucky to know her and support her during the hardest year of her life.

After months of tireless research, I was able to locate a doctor who is an MS specialist in Beijing, China who was willing to work with us remotely. She has 25 years of experience working with MS and our first appointment with her in August was the first time we both took a deep breath since the diagnosis in February. She is confident that Austin will be able to heal and that we will receive an MRI with zero lesions within the next year, but this requires a lot from Austin. The commitment to this is hard. The diet is extremely restrictive and hard (especially if you know Austin’s deep love of all foods), the herbal concoctions taste terrible and seem to be never ending, the commitment to trying to not be stressed in 2025 is a full time job on its own and holding faith that we will hold her in this as her loved ones and community requires more energy than she has most days.

MS and autoimmune disorders are known for being misunderstood and poorly managed by western medicine and studies show that almost half of people who use western therapies and drugs continue to decline into further disability. As many of us know, this country does not adequately support disability. She was denied disability support from the government even though she is very clearly unable to work, remaining ineligible until wheelchair bound, but we hope and pray it never comes to that and we can find support in community to help us get through this.

We are asking for 5 more months of time for her brain to heal. We are asking for support during a time when many need it. We know this and hold this and are deeply thankful to every person who has stood next to us and held us up this year.

Thank you,

-Kate

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This past March, our dear friend Austin was diagnosed with a chronic, incurable neurological disorder. It’s the kind of thing that shifts your entire life and requires long-term care, support and more than anything, time. We have spent the last few weeks wrapping our head about the impact this will have on her life.

If you know Austin, you know what a light she is. A singer, an artist, a devoted community builder—she has spent years pouring into others, creating beauty through sound and space for people to feel like they belong.

Now, it’s our turn to show up for her.

She recently relocated from Los Angeles to North Carolina to be closer to care and community and she’s currently unable to work. This fund helps her get rooted in this new chapter—with dignity and stability.

Your contribution will go directly toward:

Other ways to support (if giving financially isn’t possible right now):

If you have something specific to offer or want to check in about what’s most helpful, feel free to reach out directly.

Thank you for your help in taking care of our girl.