Austin is the happiest little boy, even when he has every right to not be. He loves to explore, learn new things, and play with his rescue dogs. He loves avocados and hates sitting still. He enjoys going to clinic for treatment to have his “play date” with his doctors and nurses.

When Austin was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare, cancer-like disease, his parents were completely blindsided. Austin had been healthy, meeting all milestones and developing as he should, and never had been sick. One Saturday evening when he was 7 months old, he and his mom were playing, and she noticed a small swelling behind his left ear. They were advised to go to the local children’s hospital, where Austin’s exam was so unremarkable that the care team almost didn’t perform a scan. From there, it was rapid fire – testing on testing and countless procedures all before the family could go home and process the news.

Today, Austin has completed 14 weeks of weekly IV vinblastin and steroids. In January, he moved to maintenance therapy, consisting of daily oral chemo, IV vinblastin and steroids every three weeks. He will continue this regimen until October 2026.

Austin’s parents look forward to the day Austin can have real play dates, when they don’t have to worry as much about his health and safety. Beyond that, they hope and dream of the day no child or family will have to endure this type of journey.

Austin is a hero, showing his mom, Stacey, that no matter how hard life gets, to still enjoy the small things.

“Cancer doesn’t define him or us,” Stacey said. “Your baby is still your baby; they just happen to have cancer. They can and will do things like their peers.”

It's reassuring to Stacey to know there’s more people in this fight and her family isn’t alone. While they are not yet involved in Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, they hope to be soon.

Information provided by Stacey H., Austin’s mom
Updated April 2025