James Austin's Medical Crisis: Your Help Needed

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out on behalf of my longtime friend and bandmate, James Austin. If you know James, you know he’s one of the most passionate people out there—a loving husband, an incredible dad, and a talented guitarist for our band, So Long Davey! Unfortunately, we’re all incredibly worried for him right now.

James is going through one of the hardest times of his life. After coming down with what seemed like the flu earlier this May, he was suddenly hit with extreme pain and had to be rushed to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with pancreatitis, a serious and painful inflammation of the pancreas. He spent nearly two weeks in the hospital before being released—only to be rushed back just two days later.

This time, an artery in his pancreas had ruptured, and James had to undergo emergency surgery to place a stent. He’s still in the hospital now, recovering day by day and doing his best to stay strong. It’s been almost a month and while he’s fighting with everything he’s got, the situation has been incredibly tough—physically, emotionally, and financially.

James lives in Burlington, CT, with his wife Wanda and their two young kids, Ella and Ryker. He was laid off last year and has been working hard to find the right job in financial planning while also caring for the kids while Wanda works. But now, this medical crisis has turned everything upside down.

On top of the stress of being in the hospital, James and his family are facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and the daily challenges of raising a family with one parent in recovery. They need help—and that’s why I set this up.

James isn’t the kind of person to ask for something like this. But I know he’d be the first to help someone else if the roles were reversed. So I’m asking for him. If you can donate anything—$5, $25, whatever you can spare—it will go directly toward helping James and his family through this crisis.

And even if you can’t give right now, please consider sharing this with your friends and family. Every bit of support makes a difference. All funds will go toward James' medical bills and anything else the family needs.

We all want to see James healthy again—back home with his kids, working a job he loves, and playing the music he’s so passionate about. For now, So Long Davey! is on pause while James focuses on healing. But we know he’ll come back stronger.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and being there for someone who really needs it right now.

With gratitude,

David Vaughn

On behalf of James and Wanda