
Support Austin Wilder’s Recovery and Medical Needs
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Go Fund Me for Austin and Karen Wilder who have been dealing with many hardships in the past year.
When Austin and I met 10 years ago it was an instant connection based on a love of traveling, music, UofL sports and bourbon! In December of 2024, our world was rocked when Austin was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Austin’s 12 month battle has included many ups and downs with completion of 15 chemo treatments, dozens of appointments with different drs and therapists, and multiple hospitalizations.
In June, Austin had abdominal surgery and was in the hospital 19 days. Once he was home in July, the summer was spent improving his nutrition and strength so he could continue getting chemo. On October 8th, Austin was admitted to UofL Hospital for steroid induced diabetes due to treatment prescribed by his palliative doctor. Since that time, Austin has endured several medical issues and setbacks. After two weeks at UofL Hospital, Austin was transferred to Frazier Rebab for acute rehab due to chemo induced neuropathy that impacted the use of his legs and he was working hard with therapists to get back home.
Unfortunately Austin suffered a setback on November 8th when he developed sepsis pneumonia and was transferred to the ICU at Jewish Hospital where he stayed for 10 days, three of which were on a ventilator. Austin fought hard to get better during that time and was transferred to a regular room at Jewish Hospital on November 17th where he awaited transfer back to Frazier where the drs recommend he should go.
We were disappointed when Austin’s insurance company denied the dr’s initial request and 2 appeals for acute rehab and he was sent to a sub acute rehab facility on November 26th. Austin has been working hard at the new rehab facility and had a care plan conference with discussions on how to get Austin home in the next couple of weeks. During this time, we’ve worked really hard to try to keep Austin from being exposed to illnesses because he is immunocompromised but unfortunately Austin received a positive diagnosis for Covid on December 4th. Then on December 6th, Austin was transferred to UofL Hospital for a blood transfusion in addition to treatment for Covid and is currently waiting to be recertified for rehab.
Even with all of the setbacks we’ve encountered during this difficult journey, Austin has fought like a warrior, amazing the doctors, nurses and the medical team with his strength and determination. As a self-employed video producer Austin hasn’t been able to work for many months. I have been by his side throughout this journey and when Austin was in the hospital in June, I cut my hours to part time. In October, I took an unpaid leave of absence to stay by Austin’s side. We’re lucky I was able to take this time off but each hospitalization and stay in rehab have come at a cost to us financially, mentally and physically.
So it’s been a stressful year but also a year of much love, friendship and support. We’ve had many people reach out to ask how they can help and we truly appreciate it. We decided to set up this Go Fund Me to assist with medical bills, monthly bills and adaptive equipment needed to help Austin be comfortable, assist in getting him home and take some of the financial stress off of us. We are still resolved to get Austin home before Christmas, but need help to get home for the holidays and so he to start chemo again to continue this fight.
We appreciate you taking the time to learn a little more about Austin’s fight and what we’ve been going through the past year. Thank you in advance for any donations as well as your love, prayers, texts, and calls. If you are unable to help monetarily, please consider donating blood. The Redcross needs blood all year, but especially during the holidays. Austin has been blessed by the donations of others through the four blood transfusions he had this year. Thank you again and we truly appreciate your love and support more than you can ever know.
#Austinstrong #thankfulforyourcareandconcern
Organizer

Karen Wilder
Organizer
Louisville, KY