Support the Collins Family

In the spirit of compassion and support, I'm reaching out to you through this GoFundMe for my beloved brother Austin Collins, his wife Amber, and their precious children. On November 2022, Austin began to struggle with simple tasks, an alarming change that marked the beginning of a relentless battle. Despite repeated dismissals by his doctor, attributing his symptoms to his weight, a persistent feeling that something was gravely wrong led to a CT scan on March 23, 2023. That scan revealed a heartbreaking truth: a large mass had invaded Austin's stomach.

A whirlwind of hospital visits ensued, from Midstate to Yale New Haven Hospital, where Austin received a diagnosis that shook us to our core: stage 4 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma. This cruel disease, so rare and aggressive, typically preys on those decades older, making Austin's case a baffling anomaly.

Austin's resilience shone as he commenced chemotherapy, but the cancer was unyielding. By December 13, 2023, as the pain intensified, he courageously began immunotherapy, only to be hospitalized that very night. Further scans painted a stark picture: the cancer had claimed new territory in his liver and was growing within the lining of his stomach.

Bad news after bad news was received in the coming weeks. He was ultimately hospitalized and entered hospice care. On March 22nd at 3:22pm, Austin passed on from this world surrounded by his family. A wonderful husband, father, brother and friend has been taken from us. It’s devastating and has been the most heartbreaking situation our family has had to face. Life was unkind, but Austin smiled in the face of it. He spent his last days with his family, never once showing fear. His strength stays with us; he was such a fighter and he will always be remembered as such.   

We now face a reality that is financially and emotionally crushing, as my family's resources are stretched thin. But in this plea, I see hope—a chance for kindness to echo in the actions of those who hear our story. Your contribution, or simply the act of sharing, can uplift us in ways that words cannot fully express. Let us not whisper in the shadows of hardship; instead, let us unite in the chorus of support. Thank you deeply for considering our situation and for any generosity you can offer.