Austin’s Wish
Posted by Gabe on October 30, 2009 under Kids are Heroes | 
13 Comments to Read
- 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’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
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
Twitter: @johnhaydonGabe 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.
Twitter: @johnhaydonGabe 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.
Twitter: @johnhaydonHaylie 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
Twitter: @AndreaJunelleBAndrea & 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
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