We come to you with heavy hearts, seeking support for our beloved Austin Skaggs—a true warrior battling two complex and debilitating illnesses: Autoimmune Encephalitis and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. These relentless conditions have left him facing unimaginable challenges physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychiatrically.
Austin is currently in a severe relapse triggered by a viral infection. He previously experienced a three-year remission with Rituximab, but it is no longer providing relief, and his condition has worsened significantly.
He now spends the majority of his time bedridden in a darkened room, trying to avoid crippling sensory overload and overstimulation that severely worsen his symptoms. He is often only awake a few hours a day, and even then, much of that time is spent in a state of mental shutdown—unable to think clearly, feel emotions, or engage with the world around him.
Austin is also a new father. However, even simple, everyday experiences—such as hearing the cries of his newborn son, seeing sunlight, hearing family voices, talking for too long, looking at screens, or even staying awake too long—can trigger a cascade of severe neurological symptoms, including overwhelming sensory overload, cognitive shutdown, debilitating crashes, seizures, debilitating headaches, severe dizziness, and episodes of vision loss. These moments, which should be meaningful and joyful, instead become physically and neurologically unbearable.
Autoimmune Encephalitis is a rare and severe neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, leading to symptoms such as seizures, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and profound neurological dysfunction. Combined with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Austin’s condition has become deeply disabling.
Austin’s journey has been marked by countless doctor visits, hospital stays, and difficult treatments. Despite everything, he refuses to give up, but his quality of life has become extremely limited.
Beyond his illness, Austin has inspired many through his Instagram page, NorseVirtue, where he shares strength, resilience, and a warrior mindset with others facing hardship.
Even now, in his most difficult moments, knowing that this may very well be his final stand, that same spirit remains—he is still fighting.
We are grateful that Austin has found a doctor who is willing to explore experimental treatments—options that many patients never get access to. These treatments offer a real sense of hope, but they come with significant financial costs and are not typically covered by insurance.
The financial burden has become overwhelming, and we are reaching out to our community for help.
Your contribution will directly impact Austin’s quality of life. Donations will help cover:
* mounting medical bills
* experimental and specialized treatments, including Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Darzalex, and potential CAR T-cell therapy
* travel costs for care in Los Angeles
* temporary housing while receiving treatment in Los Angeles
* consultations with leading experts
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to easing the immense financial strain on Austin and his family.
This moment feels like a final stand against these illnesses. If these treatments do not work, Austin can at least say that he gave everything he had and fought with everything in him until the very end.
Together, we can be the beacon of hope Austin needs during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity will not only provide immediate relief but also give him a real chance at recovery and a future beyond this illness.
Please consider sharing this campaign with your network. Awareness alone makes a difference.
Let’s come together as a community to show Austin that he is not alone in this fight.
Thank you for your compassion, kindness, and support.
”It is better to fight and fall than to live without hope.” -Volsung Saga