Austin at the 2018 NFL Draft.
When Austin was 2 years old, an MRI revealed a rare tumor on his spinal cord called an oligoastrocytoma.
After undergoing chemotherapy at a hospital near his home for a year, Austin and his family traveled to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for his continuing care. At St. Jude, Austin underwent surgery to remove the tumor and a total of 12 weeks of radiation therapy over a two-year period.
Unfortunately, Austin, at age 17, passed away in December 2019.
Austin’s world revolved around sports. He was an announcer for a radio sports show in his hometown, and he went to football combines, where he interviewed players.
He was also an on-air personality and prep-sports statistician for an ESPN radio station. In years past, he represented St. Jude as a special correspondent for two Super Bowls — including Super Bowl 50 where questioned Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning on his plans post-Super Bowl — and the Today show. And in 2018, he shared the stage with NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell and announced the fifth overall pick for the Denver Broncos, defensive end Bradley Chubb from North Carolina State.
Join St. Jude in helping find a cure for childhood cancer
Meet more patients
-
Meet Jamelia
At 4 years old, Jamelia felt bad and saw blood in her urine. Diagnosed with renal cell cancer, she was referred to St. Jude for treatment including proton therapy.
-
Meet patient Jacob
Jacob had frequent headaches and wasn’t himself. Diagnosed with leukemia, he was referred to St. Jude for treatment including chemotherapy to try and save his life.
-
Meet Lucas: Patient Video
When Lucas' family planned their trip to the United States from Chile, they never dreamed it would include a hospital stay for Lucas to begin cancer treatment.
-
Meet Patient Mikayla
Over Christmas 2020, something was wrong with then one-year-old Mikayla. Referred to St. Jude, her cancer was identified as acute myeloid leukemia. Mikayla successfully underwent chemotherapy.
-
Who You Help Calendar
Your support makes a big difference in the lives of patients and their families receiving treatment and care at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
-
Meet Quincy
There are few things scarier than your child receiving a diagnosis of cancer, but that's the boat Karla and Quinton found themselves in. Now they're at St. Jude, and those fears are being cast aside and replaced with hope for a cure for their son, Quincy.
-
Meet Ay'Den
Ay'Den is a kind boy with an easy smile. When he collapsed, his family was afraid he had COVID-19. Ay'Den would be diagnosed with leukemia and referred to St. Jude.
-
Meet Eri'Elle
Eri’Elle was just two years old when her troubles started. Her mother took her to a pediatrician and insisted they run tests to get to the bottom of her baby’s symptoms.
-
Thank you for your support of St. Jude in 2022
The kids and families of St. Jude are grateful for your support.
-
Meet Eli
At just 6 years old, Eli was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. His family was referred to St. Jude for his treatment and Eli underwent surgery to remove the tumor and a portion of his tibia.
-
Meet Sariyah
In the summer of 2020, photos taken of St. Jude patient Sariyah by her mother showed signs of cancerous tumors in both eyes at the age of 18 months.
-
Meet Myla
Myla’s mom found that her little girl wasn’t feeling well. Rushed to St. Jude, four-year-old Myla was diagnosed with a blood cancer called acute megakaryoblastic leukemia.
-
Meet Eduardo
At 6 months old, Eduardo was referred to St. Jude where he was diagnosed with liver cancer. His treatment included surgery to remove the mass and chemotherapy.
-
Meet Patient Lucas
Around Thanksgiving of 2020, three-year-old Lucas was complaining of headaches. His parents thought he just wanted attention. An MRI indicated something more serious.
-
Meet Maelin-Kate
Maelin-Kate was diagnosed with a rare blood disease at age 5, but her mom says, "Every day, she finds a reason why it's the best day ever."