Who Auston Is

Auston is a 29-year-old husband and dad with a heart of gold, a constant twinkle in his eye, and a deep love for his family.

It’s been one of the great joys of my life to be his aunt—the luckiest aunt in the world, really—watching him grow from the cutest newborn I’d ever seen to a silly, playful toddler, then a thoughtful and loving kid, and now a truly remarkable young man. He's grown into someone kind, cool, and full of heart—and he’s always been deeply, wonderfully Auston.

What Happened

Earlier this year, Auston started feeling unusually tired—something he chalked up to the beautiful chaos of life: planning a wedding, adjusting to the sleepless wonder of a growing baby, and managing the everyday demands of work. He pushed through, thinking it was just part of this big, busy season.

But things got worse. Low-grade fevers crept in, followed by night sweats, body aches, and red spots on his legs. He began losing weight and was overwhelmed with fatigue and pain. By early June, it became clear—this wasn’t just stress or exhaustion. Something was wrong.

A trip to the ER turned into a reality none of us were prepared for.

After a whirlwind of tests, Auston was diagnosed with Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis, a rare and dangerous infection of the heart’s inner lining, caused by a difficult-to-treat bacteria called Abiotrophia defectiva. The infection had quietly damaged his aortic valve. Doctors soon discovered it had been bicuspid since birth—two flaps instead of three—a condition that made him more vulnerable than anyone had known.

Open-heart surgery became his only option. On June 16th, Auston had his aortic valve replaced with a mechanical one. The surgery went better than expected—but the hours that followed were terrifying. His blood pressure dropped dangerously low, and for a while, things were touch and go. But Auston pulled through.

On June 20th, he underwent a second surgery to place a pacemaker, ensuring his heart can continue to beat with strength and stability.

❤️‍ The Road Ahead

Auston is out of the danger zone, but recovery from open-heart surgery is no small thing. We’re deeply grateful—for God’s mercy, for the prayers that covered him, and for the incredible medical team that cared for him. Healing has begun, but the road ahead is long.

He still faces weeks in the hospital—IV antibiotics, medication tweaks, and eventually, cardiac rehab. He’ll be on lifelong blood thinners to manage his new valve. Rebuilding his strength and stamina will also take time.

It’s a tough road for anyone—especially for a new husband and dad in the prime of his life, trying to keep up with a baby in the prime of his curiosity and mobility.

Thankfully, Auston comes equipped with everything he needs for the fight ahead: a deep well of faith, an incredible wife, a small army of lovingly bossy siblings and cousins, rock-solid parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and just the right amount of stubbornness to power through.

How You Can Help

As you can imagine, the financial toll is steep. Hospital bills, two surgeries, and the uncertainty of what’s next—it adds up quickly.

We’re reaching out to ask for your help. Whether you donate, send a prayer, share kind words, or simply pass this along to others—every bit of support makes a difference. It truly helps lift the load so Auston, Samantha, and baby Myles can focus on what matters most: healing, hope, and holding on to each other.

Thank You

Thank you for being part of Auston’s story. Your support reminds him that he’s not walking this road alone. We’ve felt grace in the hardest moments, and we continue to trust in God—for strength, for healing, and for brighter days ahead.