Hello everyone! My name is Austyn Rich. Nice to virtually meet you, if this is our first time interacting or getting to know each other.  I am raising funds so that I can return to my normal life post brain surgery. On December 16, 2021,  I was airlifted to North Fulton Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. I woke up that morning with what seemed to be a horrible headache, laid down to rest with hopes that it would be temporary sent a text message to  my partner, Will, to let him know that I was experiencing excruciating head pain and that I may need a professional to check if I am alright.


Later, I woke up in the hospital with my family and close friends, IVs, tubes and other gadgets attached to my body and a series of conversations that I could not quite piece together what each one meant. My nurses and family were in such a state of joy I was still not yet caught up with what happened because my last memory was laying down on the bed to rest. I thought I was dreaming when I heard a voice say, "Austyn we need to take you to the hospital," but I later find out that I was actually awake when I heard that from Will.


My mother came up to me to let me know what happened and told me that I went through a succesful emergency brain surgery and my doctors did such an amazing job on the operation. I began to panic because I could not believe I had an operation done to me or any knowledge of how I ended in the hospital. My surgeon, Dr. Zussman, chimed in to catch me up and explained that I had a blood vessel burst in my brain that caused a lot of blood to leak from my brain. He was able to drain all the blood with no issues and within thirty minutes the procedure was over and I was on my way to recovery. Within forty-eight hours, I was breathing on my own with no assistance, able to talk, walk and dance. if you know, I love to do all three of those things and Dr. Zussman had a follow-up conversation with me letting me know that I will live a normal life despite this "freak accident." He told me that I have a healthy body and my body's response to this scenario was unlike what he has ever seen in his years of neurosurgery.

This journey is not yet over and I have to go through my final surgery in the next two months to reseal the rest of my skull that was taken off during the first procedure.  Yes, I am living currently with half my skull on but healing well and staying safe. I am beyond grateful to be here to today to share my story and it not over yet. 

Thank you for your support whether it be sharing my campaign, story and or contributing funds to help me return back to my normal life. Your love, prayers and positivity is very much appreciated.

With love,
Austyn Rich