Austin’s Wish

Posted by Gabe on October 30, 2009 under Kids are Heroes | 35 Comments to Read

Last Saturday I had the privilege of meeting quite a few heroes who participated in Kids Are Heroes Day 2009. Now I know I shouldn’t play favorites, but I have to be honest and say that one particular hero captured my heart more than anyone else has ever been able to in my lifetime.  His name is Austin Pierce. He and his family made the trip from northern Pennsylvania — some 300 miles away. His sister Calista helps him by raising money for the local Special Olympics so Austin can pursue his passion which is bowling.

I discovered during the week that Austin has a wish that he registered through the Make-A-Wish foundation.  Sadly they told him his wish was too big and could not be done.  I was curious to know what it was because from where I sit, no dream is too big.  I asked his mom to elaborate which she did:

“Austin’s wish is for an Extreme Makeover (the TV show). He wants Ty Pennington to come, send us to Disney World and make him a new house with no steps, no stairs and a sink where he can help me wash dishes (his favorite thing to do ~ go figure) in his wheelchair. We have stopped letting him help with dishes because he has to stand on a step stool and be completely supported. Also, when he is standing, he leg locks. When he sits down afterwards, he is in a lot of pain and I can’t bear to watch him like that.  Unfortunately, Make-A-Wish informed us that Austin’s wish is too big — at least for them.  They have a policy of not doing construction. They also don’t work with Extreme Makeover and vice versa, so he has been “on hold” for nearly a year because that is the only wish he has come up with. It’s the only thing he wants in the whole world. We did submit an application and video when we found out that Extreme Makeover was coming to the Erie area earlier this year, but they went with someone who lives in Erie.

Earlier this week, we received the approval from the insurance for him to get a power chair, which will be nearly impossible to use in the house. Not to mention getting it into and out of our van. So, it will more than likely be left at the school for him to use there. Things will definitely change for the better as far as Austin gaining independence, but we’re just not sure what to do as far as this house and vehicle. We’ve talked about putting ramps in, but with the layout of the house, it is nearly impossible without blocking off entrance to rooms or taking out counters in the kitchen. There is a step up onto the porch to get into the house, a step down into the backroom, 2 steps up into the living room, a step up into the bedroom and he isn’t even able to get upstairs ~ that has been shut off because there are no heating vents up there and there are hardwood floors and he has fallen numerous times while crawling, which the only way he can get around in here. When we initially bought this house, we had so much hope that he would eventually walk, but it seemed that every time he hit a growth spurt, his little muscles just couldn’t keep up. Now this house is hindering his independence.”

The funny thing is that I know in my heart that if Ty Pennington ever got a chance to meet Austin this would be a done deal.  Austin won my heart immediately when we met him as he gave me his signature smile and his two thumbs up.   I’ve never seen a happier boy who has so many struggles to deal with.  He is a true inspiration and we could all learn something from him.

So if you are reading this and have any suggestions at all, please leave them in the comments section.  Even better, please comment to show your support for Austin — maybe if they know that Austin is supported it might help with their decision.  And of course if anyone knows anyone associated with the program, send this post to them.  And take a thumbs up from Austin.

(See Austin’s bio on the Kids Are Heroes Web site.)

Watch the Video

UPDATE: 3/13/2011: Just yesterday, Austin’s mom posted this comment. I wanted to make sure everyone saw it, because if everyone who reads this post sends in an email, Austin just might get that wish.

“Hi everyone! If you want to submit a nomination to help make Austin’s Wish come true, they are taking them for our area until the end of March at castingeriepa@gmail.com ~ we can use all of the help we can get!!! ♥ ♥ ♥”

Update 3/15/2011: Using our JustCoz campaign, we are going to get our entire tweet team to tweet to ABC’s @extremehome tomorrow at the same time to try and get their attention. If you haven’t signed up, please fo to http://justcoz.org/kidsareheroes and donate a tweet. Thanks!

Update 5/26/2011: GREAT NEWS!! We have been contacted by a producer at ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition asking for eligible families where the kids are heroes. Of course we told them about Austin and his family. The executive producer of EMHE, @BradyConnell also told us via Twitter that Austin and his family are being considered. Keep those comments coming to convince them to grant Austin’s Wish!! Thanks!