Austin’s Wish

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

Austin receives his award on Kids Are Heroes Day.
Austin receives his award on Kids Are Heroes Day.

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“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.”

Austin has a Wish

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!

Bookmark and Share

  • Rachel Minihan said,

    Best of luck with your wish – even if this isn’t the one, keep on dreaming, because that’s what keeps life happy. I do hope that someone hears your need who can help and comes to do so.

  • John Haydon said,

    Gabe,

    Sounds like a total success. I wonder if Make A Wish will respond in some way?

    John

  • Gabe said,

    Make-A-Wish already told him his wish was “too big”. We’ll just have to see about that. :)

  • John Haydon said,

    What I wonder about is how well they’re listening – and if they’d respond to this post… If they listen well, they’ll pick up this blog post.

  • Gabe said,

    Very good point. I would love to see that. I’m not sure if they even have the ability to change things around, but I’m hoping that someone who is capable gets behind this and helps this family. There are more struggles not mentioned here but despite all that their outlook as a family is just so positive and loving – all of them.

  • John Haydon said,

    They’ve probably learned to depend deeply on each other because of their struggle.

  • Haylie said,

    Gabe,

    I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this for my nephew. It has been so hard to see him struggle and I live a state away, so I can’t always see him and help my sister with him. It’s so hard to know that no matter what we try to do to help, it’s not enough for what he needs the most. That house needs so much work for Austin and the family. They deserve this more than anyone I know.

    Extreme Home Makeover, Ty Pennington and/or Make A Wish, if you are reading this blog please reconsider and help this family. Help my sister to give her first born the wish he deserves so much! We will all be forever greatful!

  • Gabe said,

    Haylie,

    It is my pleasure! Austin is such an endearing soul – I can’t do enough for him. All I can ask is that you pass on this link to everyone you know and ask everyone to do the same. -Gabe

  • Michelle said,

    Gabe,
    As you know I too have been very touched by Austin and he has left a handprint on my heart. If anyone can make this happen—it’s you.

    Love,
    Michelle

  • Gabe said,

    Awww, now people you may think the last comment was made by my mother. Close — it was my darling wife. :) Thanks for the support but you know how bad I am with tools so I definitely need help!!

  • AndreaJunelleB said,

    I have a special needs child as well, she is still too young to talk, but she is the reason Ive become so dedicated in getting involved in the lives of OTHER special needs children.

    I AM going to pass along his “wish” on Twitter to ALL of the celeb’s that I can find — hopefully someone wlil have the heart to give this poor lil guy what he wants..

    I ALSO live in PA, I’m in SouthWestern Pa though unfortunately or I’d help teach him how to bowl! My father has owned a local bowling alley in our area here since 1979, and I was born in ’82 so was prettymuch brought up with a bowling ball in my hand :)
    If Austin EVER travels to the Pittsburgh area PLEASE contact me on one of my blogs so that I could FIRST, have the pleasure of meeting him and secondly, take him bowling!!! ;D

    http://andreajunelleb.wordpress.com/ & http://swpahydroassociation.blogspot.com/

    God Bless him and his family — they will remain in my prayers, that is for sure.

    Thank you for posting this

    xx
    Andrea & family

  • Gabe said,

    Thanks so much Andrea. Feel free to fan Austin’s younger sister’s page on Facebook and you can keep up with what they are doing. Search for Calista Cares. While you are there pls fan our page too. ;) Thanks, -Gabe

  • Jenifer said,

    I am truly overwhelmed by everyone’s support. Thank you so much for trying to make Austin’s wish come true.

    Andrea, thanks for offering to teach Austin to bowl. He has been bowling for Crawford County Special Olympics for nearly 5 years now. His first few years, he was selected to go to Special Olympics PA Western Bowling Sectionals in Pittsburgh, where he placed to go on to Summer Games at Penn State. He was picked as an alternate to go to Pittsburgh next year, so we’ll see what happens. :)

    Happy Holidays!
    Jenifer

  • Ali Davies said,

    I’m with you on this Gabe – I don’t think that there is any wish or dream too big. And certainly Austin’s dream isn’t too big. Never give up I say. Where there is a will there is a way.

  • Gabe said,

    Thanks Ali,

    If you could only meet this boy you’d fall in love with him instantly. :)

  • Lynda said,

    Hi All

    I have just read your blog post and I wish with all my heart that Austin’s wish comes true. He certainly deserves it.

    I am familiar with Ty, as we can view Extreme Makeover here in the UK on Sky, and I do feel sure that if he was aware of Austin’s wish, he would do all he can to make it come true.

    For what it’s worth…I am sending heaps of positive thoughts Austin’s way to make his wish a reality for all his family. Luckily I have been blessed with 6 healthy children, although I did nearly lose my little girl shortly after her birth. I know, as a mum, how you would sacrifice anything and everything for your kids and to be unable to make Austin’s wish come true for him, must be totally heart-wrenching.

    My wish will go out today and every day, and

    I pray that Austin’s wish comes true very soon.

    God bless

    Lynda

  • Mike Cohen said,

    Doesn’t “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” have an address where they could be contacted for requests like this? Do they allow people to nominate someone for a makeover? We could all nominate him.

  • Gabe said,

    I believe the family has sent in several applications but have yet to be accepted.

  • Evan said,

    I’ll do my best to help. I only spent year in a wheelchair in a house that was too small to use it inside. Having to be carried from place to place was very tough. Not being able to go outside without someone to set up my chair and then carry me out was something I won’t ever let myself forget. It keeps me motivated to help others! I have someone I will write and call. They work for a tv network but I don’t watch tv much so I don’t know if it is the same one. the ought to know someone who can help!

  • Gabe said,

    Thanks a lot Evan. You never know who can actually get this done.

  • Calista said,

    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!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

  • Mrs. Trenga said,

    Oh my little Austin! We will never give up trying to find a way to make your dream come true! You are a true inspiration to every single person that has the honor to meet you.

  • Gabe said,

    Mrs. Trenga: Truer words have not been said.

  • John Denisco said,

    I will foward this story to a few people i know here in NY and see if we can get the ball rolling for him. Also, Will send to News stations as well. I am sure someone will see it and touch them enough to keep things going and word of mouth is the best way to get his story out. With this i am sure that word will get to them and this Dream will happen. If it is fixing current house or Building a new One. Together we will make this happen. I will start with Three Talk shows and see if One of these will be moved enough to start the process. God bless you Austin and Don’t Worry Dude this will happen for you.

  • Gabe said,

    Thanks John,
    I love the enthusiasm in your words. As you see this post was written late in 2009 and Austin keeps asking for his wish. If any boy deserves it it is him. Thanks for your support.

  • ParentingExtra said,

    Would it not make more sense to go for Extreme Makeover, home edition- who do construction, rather than trying to pursue an organisation that are not set up to help?

  • Gabe said,

    That’s the exciting part. The email Austin’s mom mentions, castingeriepa@gmail.com is for a nomination for the Extreme Home Makeover show. They are looking for people in their area now thus the reason for the resurgence in this blog post.

  • Calista said,

    My mom helped me find all of the information:
    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition wants to come back to Northwest PA. Do you know a family whose home deserves an Extreme Makeover, or a family who simply deserves a home? If so, the producers of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition want to hear from you. Please send nominations to castingeriepa@gmail.com The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2011. Don’t delay!
    Each nomination must include the names and ages of every member of the household along with a description of the major challenges within the home, and a short description of the family story. Anyone submitting a nomination should be sure to explain why the nominated family is deserving, heroic, and/or a great role model for their community. If possible, include recent photos of the family and home. All nominations must include a contact phone number.
    Thanks!
    Calista

  • Jamie said,

    I sent my (rather lengthly) email to EHM. I wish you all the best of luck with this, Austin! And I can’t wait to hear Ty’s rolling into Erie to help you and your beautiful family! =]

  • Calista said,

    Thank you everyone who is trying to help by sending in nominations and sharing Austin’s Wish with all of your friends and family. This is the one wish I can’t grant without ABC’s help. I need all of the help I can get to make this happen for Austin.

    Jamie ~ Thank you so much for your help trying to make my brother’s wish come true. It really means a lot to me.

    Thanks again,
    Calista

  • Jacqueline Way said,

    I am so glad you are sharing this story. I also did a post and plea to Ty and the Extreme makeover team not long ago. The story grabbed my heart and Calista is obviously a remarkable young person. If everyone tweets, FB and emails it will get their attention. Thanks for sharing the story!

  • Gabe said,

    Hi Jacqueline,

    Ty has no say in who gets picked. You might also want to tweet @BradyConnell, the exec producer of EMHE.

  • Michelle said,

    Any updates as to if EMHE picked up Austin’s wish? I’d think there would have to be a way to bombard EMHE with requests to help this family.

    As far as a van with a lift, I know that freecharitycars.org supplied a van with a lift for a previous EMHE show at the start of the the new season. They are not allowed to share where the vehicle comes from though. All of the members of this site are all citizens who are kind of falling through the cracks and disabled, vets, homeless and various other forms of upheaval that are hoping that someone donates a vehicle in their area so that they can have even a used car. We formed a group called MustangsKids that we help special needs kids that need vans with a lift and help to promote them and do the voting of their accounts while they are in the hospital or whatever the case may be. I myself am disabled and hoping to get a car. This may be a way for the family to get at least a van with a lift for them. It takes a great deal of work and time though. The good thing about the site is that it really becomes a good support group to everyone that is going through whatever tragic event that they are.

    I hope that Austin gets his wish…I wonder if there is anything in the disabilities act that could help them get funding to have the house done? Just a thought…

    Michelle

  • Gabe said,

    Hi Michelle,

    No news yet. The producers are aware of his request and we have bombarded them on several other occasions. You might also want to ping @calistacares with your other ideas. This is Austin’s sister’s Twitter account monitored by her mom.

  • Jacqueline Way said,

    I slammed them from my site as well. Started a twitter campaign about it. I am sure it has been brought to their attention but if you want to do more you can send in a request of nomination for them. You can see how you can do it from their site or email Calista they will send the information. The more nominations they get the better. We could then cheer them all on.

Add A Comment

home top