Saving Austin’s Baby Blue’s
Austin was born on March 8, 2012. He is the son of Shawn & Sonya Baxter. He also has a big brother, Corey who is 10 yrs. Old. At the age of 9 months, mom noticed something different with Austin’s left eye. She took Austin to the Pediatrician’s multiple times and was repeatedly told he was fine. At Austin’s 1 year exam, the doctor noticed what looked like a lazy left eye. He sent them to see an eye specialist and within 30 minutes, Austin was diagnosed with a rare disease called Retinoblastoma. This is a cancer that forms on the back side of the eyes. Austin was immediately transferred to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, where they did an MRI.
The next morning, Austin was transferred to Miami to see a Specialist. Austin had his first eye surgery 2 days later. Unfortunately, the Specialist we’re recently forced to remove his Left eye all together. The family has been traveling back and forth to Miami ever since Austin was diagnosed where he continues to have eye surgeries and chemotherapy. It is uncertain at this time as to how much vision Austin will have out of his right eye due to the fact that this eye also has advanced Tumors. This disease can also spread throughout his body. The Doctors are very concerned about Austin’s health and sight and need to move quickly to remove the Tumors in Austin’s right eye.
The family had insurance but one never knows how bad their insurance is until something like this happens!! They have max’d out their credit cards and exhausted all financial help from friends and family members. Furthermore, Mom has had to quit working all together to give full time care to Little Austin. The gas, food, lodging and commutes back & forth to Miami are taking their toll on this family both emotionally & financially and they sure could use our help!! We are in the process of putting together a benefit to help Little Austin and are asking the community and local businesses to please help by becoming a Sponsor and donating Money/ Items that we can Auction/Raffle at the Benefit.
This Little boy needs all the help he can get so Please help Austin and his family get through this!!
Time is of the essence.
On behalf of the Family, Thank you and God Bless.
For more info:
Johanne Eisenmann, 941-809-6082 or
Steve Cochrane, 941-374-0443
www.savingaustinsbabyblues.myevent.com