Support Austin Through Cancer Treatment

If you know Austin, you know what it means to be "larger than life". You have experienced the flood of energy and smiles that seem to ride his stride into any and every space he enters. It is likely, too, that you have found yourself sharing some of your rawest moments with Austin, in deeply vulnerable yet expansive conversations you didn't know you signed up for when you met him. If you know Austin, you know the value of his impact. You know what it is like to have a friend who not only makes you want to strive to be a better, fuller version of yourself, but also makes you believe that you have every tool, skill, and asset within yourself to get there.

As a man who is so uniquely gifted at turning the most mundane activities and interactions into profound moments infused with life, it is ironic, as Austin would say, that he must endure such a life-draining treatment. Here, we could list endless reasons why we want to show love and support for Austin throughout his treatment, but we will selfishly sum it up to keeping his pervasive "stoke" high and present in our lives for many years to come. We know that asking for help is hard, particularly when going through something that swiftly shifts your sense of self in this finite world. We also know that it can be hard to know exactly how to help a loved one who is going through something as scary as cancer treatment. That is why we are creating this GoFundMe; to provide an avenue by which people can feel and know they are supporting Austin in an effectual way to make this time just a bit easier, a bit more affordable. While money isn't terribly intimate or personal, its fluidity allows for it to be put to use where it is needed most. This treatment is taxing; physically, mentally, and financially, so any little bit donated can amount to something substantial-something that can keep Austin feeling loved, supported, and held by his community the way that he loves, supports, and upholds us.