Austin’s story
Oregon pronghorn
This is Austin whom we had the pleasure of taking on an Antelope hunt in August of 2019. Austin’s mother wrote us a small note to share with you…
“I would like to introduce you to my son and inspiration Austin who was born with multiple illnesses. He was diagnosed with complex congenital heart disease at birth, hetertaxi (2 right lungs), cyanosis, asplenia, intestinal malrotation, his stomach is below the liver instead of being above the left kidney, he runs very low oxygen levels around 60-86. He has spent much of his 10 years enduring many hospital stays, medical procedures, and doctor appointments. Austin has a very rare heart deformity where he has a 1 ventricle heart, in fact, he is the only one documented in the world. UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital has become a home away from home at various times for Austin and us as well.
Austin has endured many medical procedures throughout his life such as 2 open-heart surgeries. He is needing to have his 3rd but unfortunately is not able to have it at this current time for the doctors feel that he would not be able to make it through the surgery. In November 2011, 11 heart caths which included 9 coils and stents were placed to keep his oxygen levels up and his pulmonary arteries open. In his 3rd surgery at 5 months old, he had his bowels untwisted as they were twisted around his Aorta, a reverse Nissen procedure (his stomach placed over his esophagus). He also endured appendix removal. On March 23rd he had his 11th heart cath in preparation of his 3rd open heart and to see if he is strong enough to endure the surgery.
The doctors have determined that he has too much oxygen in the left lung and not enough blood flow to the lung to transport the oxygen properly through his lower extremities. His oxygen levels on any given day can range from 42% with activity to 78% without activity. The doctors do not want to coil off any existing arteries to the lung, for we could make his current health status worsen. After speaking with the doctors we have decided to let him be and come up with the best possible plan for him to strengthen the left lung before we lose it. We recently found out that the left lung is only using 1 ½ lobe of the 3 that are there. He, like other children with illnesses, has endured so much throughout their life and wants nothing more than to run and play like the other children around them.
Austin was given a life span for his little heart of 8 to 9 years and he is 12 now. He has defied all the medical odds against and he definitely has a purpose. He has learned to accept the illnesses that he has and appreciate the life God has blessed him with. He has always remained positive no matter what the challenge may be. We are truly blessed with the amazing opportunities that have been given to Austin.”
Thank you Austin for being a light in this world and always smiling through the tough times! And a huge thank you to the sponsors of this hunt!
Update: Austin is doing very well today and is crushing it in school!
